| Highland | This information is available on the Transport Scotland website at http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/stpr. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226046,"EventID":"S3W-19434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce a national policy on the dumping of treated sewerage.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce a national policy on the dumping of treated sewerage.","AnswerText":"Dumping of sewage sludge is illegal. Sewage sludge may be legally disposed of to landfill or by incineration, or recovered, notably to land. In any of these cases, regulatory requirements apply. The Scottish Government has no plans to introduce a national policy on the use of treated sewage. In May 2008, Scottish Water published its own National Sludge Strategy which identifies the organisation''s long term strategy for the management of sludge in Scotland. The Executive Summary of this document may be found at the following link: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/rae/papers-08/rup08-18.pdf. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226047,"EventID":"S3W-19435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce guidelines on the permitted quantities of treated sewerage that can be dumped.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce guidelines on the permitted quantities of treated sewerage that can be dumped.","AnswerText":"There are parameters in the Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994, as amended, however as the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is Scotland''s environmental regulator, the issuing of any guidelines on the limits would be a matter for SEPA. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226048,"EventID":"S3W-19436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive where treated sewerage has been dumped in Scotland in the last 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive where treated sewerage has been dumped in Scotland in the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not produce or treat sewage sludge, or regulate its disposal or recovery. Accordingly, information on exact locations where this disposal or recovery has taken place is not held centrally. This is a matter for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency or Scottish Water. Statistics on the amount of sewage sludge recovered/disposed of in Scotland in each of the last four years are available on the Scottish Government website at the following link: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Environment/seso/sesoSubSearch/Q/SID/198. Please note that the figures for 2004-05 and 2005-06 indicate post-digestion sludge quantities. From 2006-07 onwards pre-digestion sludge results were reported, therefore the data from these different time periods is not comparable. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2008-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226049,"EventID":"S3W-19437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost would be of extending the national concessionary fares scheme to include all demand-responsive community transport.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost would be of extending the national concessionary fares scheme to include all demand-responsive community transport.","AnswerText":"There is no Scottish Government estimate of the cost of including demand responsive community transport in the Scotland-Wide Free Bus Travel Scheme for Older and Disabled People. Demand responsive transport that is a locally registered service can be included in the scheme. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2008-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226050,"EventID":"S3W-19438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contribution it will make to the purchase of the Titian painting from the Duke of Sutherland and from which budget.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contribution it will make to the purchase of the Titian painting from the Duke of Sutherland and from which budget.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will make an announcement about its funding contribution towards the purchase of Titian''s Diana and Actaeon, and the consequent continued public access to the world-renowned Bridgewater Collection, once the arrangements for the purchase have been finalised between the National Galleries and the Duke of Sutherland. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Linda Fabiani","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226051,"EventID":"S3W-19439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the average waiting time is between order and execution of measures to improve energy efficiency through (a) cavity and (b) roof insulation in schemes s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the average waiting time is between order and execution of measures to improve energy efficiency through (a) cavity and (b) roof insulation in schemes supported by public funds.","AnswerText":"The managing agent has indicated that, in the private sector, the average waiting time for the installation of Warm Deal measures is currently around 80 days. Information is held for the scheme as a whole, not for the installation of various individual measures. The Scottish Government also funds Warm Deal measures in the public sector through local authorities and housing associations. However, local authorities and housing associations are not required to provide information on waiting times as part of the scheme. The Carbon Emission Reduction Target (CERT) programme provides insulation measures in domestic properties to reduce energy consumption. The scheme is designed to fulfil an obligation imposed on the gas and electricity suppliers and is funded by energy customers. No information is held by the Scottish Government on average waiting times for the CERT scheme. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226052,"EventID":"S3W-19440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a decision will be made on the proposed relocation of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) from Dalkeith.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a decision will be made on the proposed relocation of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) from Dalkeith.","AnswerText":"A business case covering options for addressing the accommodation issues SQA has with its premises at Ironmills Road, Dalkeith is being scrutinised. A decision will be taken once all the options have been fully considered. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Maureen Watt","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226053,"EventID":"S3W-19441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) offices in Midlothian play an important role in providing employment in the county.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) offices in Midlothian play an important role in providing employment in the county.","AnswerText":"We have an interest in the support provided locally by all public bodies including the SQA. According to the Annual Population Survey, July 2007 to June 2008, the 231 jobs currently provided by the SQA in Midlothian account for 0.6% of the 41,000 people aged over 16 in employment in the county. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Maureen Watt","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226054,"EventID":"S3W-19442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the ministerial visits made to the Glasgow Maryhill constituency since 17 May 2007, showing which other MSPs or ministers were in attendance and brok","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the ministerial visits made to the Glasgow Maryhill constituency since 17 May 2007, showing which other MSPs or ministers were in attendance and broken down by (a) ministerial portfolio, (b) venue, (c) date and (d) purpose of visit.","AnswerText":"The information requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226055,"EventID":"S3W-19443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2030,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the private sector has contributed to the redevelopment of the Ravenscraig site in Lanarkshire in each year since the inception of the redevelopment project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the private sector has contributed to the redevelopment of the Ravenscraig site in Lanarkshire in each year since the inception of the redevelopment project.","AnswerText":"There are two private sector partners involved in the Ravenscraig Development Project - Corus UK Ltd and Barratt (who recently replaced Wilson Bowden Developments following a takeover). Since closure of the Ravenscraig steelworks in 1993 it is understood that Corus UK Ltd has spent in the region of £30 million in respect of demolition/site clearance and decontamination together with maintenance and insurances. During 2007-08 Wilson Bowden Ltd contributed in the region of £20 million to the Phase 1 Development infrastructure contract. This is an estimated sum pending final contract certification. Prior to this, Wilson Bowden had incurred £2.5 million pre-2007 in respect of planning, technical and design costs. These figures are estimates provided by the two private sector partners involved in the project who have agreed that this information can be released. No annual expenditure figures are available. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226056,"EventID":"S3W-19444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address problems experienced recently at Wick Airport owing to staff shortages.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address problems experienced recently at Wick Airport owing to staff shortages.","AnswerText":"Staffing levels at Wick Airport are sufficient to meet the airport''s operational needs, principally scheduled flight movements. On 30 and 31 December 2008 there were 90 minutes of planned air traffic closures at the airport due to staff sickness. This had no impact on scheduled flights or general aviation traffic operating at Wick. On three days in February there will be minor notified closures to protect statutory air traffic control staff working time limitations. Again, this should have no impact on traffic. Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd regularly reviews staffing levels at all of its airports to ensure that they are appropriate for its operational needs. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226057,"EventID":"S3W-19445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that providing communities with more information about localised crime patterns and hotspots is beneficial to (a) local communities and (b) police fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that providing communities with more information about localised crime patterns and hotspots is beneficial to (a) local communities and (b) police forces.","AnswerText":"How best to engage and communicate with local communities on localised crime is principally a matter for Scottish police forces, police boards and their community safety partners, supported by central government. We are providing this support in a number of ways, including working with key stakeholders to produce a community policing engagement model which clearly sets out the role and objectives of policing within communities. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226058,"EventID":"S3W-19446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to make available to communities in Scotland neighbourhood crime maps, as introduced in England and Wales by the Home Office on 6 January 2009.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to make available to communities in Scotland neighbourhood crime maps, as introduced in England and Wales by the Home Office on 6 January 2009.","AnswerText":"We have no immediate plans to replicate the Home Office scheme in Scotland, but will monitor the impact of this innovative approach to public engagement with interest. The Scottish Government Justice and Communities Analytical Services Division has previously worked with Scottish forces on the development of the crime domain in the 2006 Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation which, through the Scottish Neighbourhood Statistics website, maps crime levels down to data zone level (geographical units containing between 500 and 1,500 residents), and are currently working with forces to update and enhance this for the 2009 Scottish Index. http://www.sns.gov.uk/default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226059,"EventID":"S3W-19447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work it is undertaking to improve public awareness of local crime-fighting activity.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work it is undertaking to improve public awareness of local crime-fighting activity.","AnswerText":"The first annual report of the Scottish Policing Performance Framework, which was published on 8 December 2008, will help ensure that the public and other stakeholders are better informed about how their police force is working to tackle crime. This can be found at: www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/12/08094452/0. The Association of Scottish Neighbourhood Watches promotes good citizenship and greater public participation in the prevention and solution of crime. The Scottish Government provides the Association with grant funding (£253,000 in 2008-09), and is supporting their award ceremony in April 2009 which will help raise awareness of local citizenship, crime prevention and community safety activity. The Scottish Government also provides grant funding (£220,000 in 2008-09) to Crimestoppers Scotland. Crimestoppers Scotland regularly host campaigns to encourage the public to contact them with information on criminals or crimes. They also publicise their success at providing the police with information that leads to convictions. The Scottish Police Service is committed to ensuring that local communities are fully aware of, and can influence, local crime-fighting activity through a number of initiatives and strategies, such as the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) Public Reassurance Strategy which can be found at: www.acpos.police.uk/Documents/Policies/CRIME%20-%20ACPOS%20Public%20Reasurance%20Strategy%2010.09.07.pdf. Where necessary the Scottish Government will raise awareness through public information campaigns, such as work which is currently underway to develop a campaign around the misuse of air weapons, firearms and replica weapons. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226060,"EventID":"S3W-19448","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work it is undertaking to improve public awareness of the levels of burglary, robbery, theft, vehicle crime, violent crime and antisocial behaviour in local communit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work it is undertaking to improve public awareness of the levels of burglary, robbery, theft, vehicle crime, violent crime and antisocial behaviour in local communities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government publishes statistical information to raise public awareness of the levels of different types of crime in local communities. In particular, the Recorded Crime in Scotland Statistical Bulletin, published in September 2008, presents statistics on crimes and offences recorded and cleared up by the eight Scottish police forces, broken down by crime/offence group, police force area and council area. These statistics are available on the Scottish Government website (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/09/29155946/0) and are announced in the national media. Scottish Neighbourhood Statistics (SNS) is the Scottish Government''s on-going programme to improve the availability of small area statistics in Scotland. Members of the public can find out statistical information about their local community, including crime levels, by entering their postcode on the SNS website http://www.sns.gov.uk/. We are currently working with forces to update and enhance this for the 2009 Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation. Police Forces, Community Safety Partnerships and their local partners work hard to raise awareness of crime levels in their communities and reassure the public that these issues are being addressed. More information can be found on local authority and police websites. The review of national antisocial behaviour policy is considering this issue in relation to antisocial behaviour and will report to Parliament in early 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226098,"EventID":"S3W-19486","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3771,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of any changes to the rates of student support for further and higher education students that will apply for academic year 2009 -10.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of any changes to the rates of student support for further and higher education students that will apply for academic year 2009 -10.","AnswerText":"I am pleased to announce the new rates of support for students in further and higher education for academic year 2009‘10. I am today placing in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre details of the rates of those loans, bursaries and grants, which will be available to eligible undergraduate and postgraduate students in full-time higher education. A general uprating factor of 2.6%, in line with inflation, will be applied to the existing schemes of support in 2009‘10, thus maintaining their value in real terms. The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) has also agreed to maintain the alignment between the further and higher education sectors by, where appropriate, uprating the support available to further education students by 2.6%. A copy of these rates is also being placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 47190). ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226099,"EventID":"S3W-19487","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the first meeting of the reference group on independent living will be held.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the first meeting of the reference group on independent living will be held.","AnswerText":"The first meeting of the reference group on independent living will be held on 6 February 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226100,"EventID":"S3W-19488","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to produce a self-directed support strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to produce a self-directed support strategy.","AnswerText":"A roundtable on self-directed support was convened in June 2008 to consider a strategy to increase the uptake of self-directed support, as a result of which an on-going reference group has been established. Members subsequently discussed a draft strategy at the October meeting which is being finalised and will be presented to members at their next meeting on 5 March 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226101,"EventID":"S3W-19489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which three test sites have been chosen for consideration of how to improve the uptake of self-directed support.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which three test sites have been chosen for consideration of how to improve the uptake of self-directed support.","AnswerText":"Dumfries and Galloway, Glasgow and Highland Councils have been selected as the three test sites. NHS Lothian and Borders Council will also be contributing to the development of the policy through other local initiatives. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226102,"EventID":"S3W-19490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the reference group on self-directed support last met.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the reference group on self-directed support last met.","AnswerText":"The reference group on self-directed support last met on Thursday 30 October 2008. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226103,"EventID":"S3W-19491","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the next meeting of the reference group on self-directed support will take place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the next meeting of the reference group on self-directed support will take place.","AnswerText":"The next meeting of the reference group on self-directed support will take place on Thursday 5 March 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226104,"EventID":"S3W-19492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the first meeting of the Community Regeneration and Tackling Poverty learning network was held.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the first meeting of the Community Regeneration and Tackling Poverty learning network was held.","AnswerText":"The launch of the Community Regeneration and Tackling Poverty learning network will be on Tuesday 27th January 2009. The network is new, but it builds on the work of earlier stakeholder fora supported by the Scottish Government. It now brings together in a more joined up way colleagues engaged in important linked areas such as community regeneration, financial inclusion, income inequality, employability and health inequalities. It will focus on practical issues highlighted by local partners, notably in the context of rolling out the Fairer Scotland Fund over the past year; and it will involve a series of workshops and other events designed to meet the learning needs identified by network members. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226105,"EventID":"S3W-19493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the next meeting of the Community Regeneration and Tackling Poverty learning network will be held.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the next meeting of the Community Regeneration and Tackling Poverty learning network will be held.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19492 on 19 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226106,"EventID":"S3W-19494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1988,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on recruitment advertising in national newspapers in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on recruitment advertising in national newspapers in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19497 on 20 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226107,"EventID":"S3W-19495","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1988,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on advertising public and statutory notices in national newspapers in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on advertising public and statutory notices in national newspapers in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19497 on 20 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226108,"EventID":"S3W-19496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1988,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on recruitment advertising in local newspapers in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on recruitment advertising in local newspapers in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19497 on 20 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226109,"EventID":"S3W-19497","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1988,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on advertising public and statutory notices in local newspapers in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on advertising public and statutory notices in local newspapers in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The following table sets out the spend on recruitment and public notice advertising in local and national newspapers in each year since 2000. No figures are available for 1999. Spend for both Public Notice and recruitment advertising in local and National Press from 2000 to 2008 (all January to December) | | Public Notices | Recruitment | | | Local Press £ | National Press £ | Total | Local Press £ | National Press £ | Total | | 2000 | 493,767 | 26,369 | 520,136 | 611,326 | 189,012 | 800,338 | | 2001 | 430,374 | 245,582 | 675,956 | 903,533 | 176,110 | 1,079,643 | | 2002 | 669,928 | 24,595 | 694,523 | 1,075,655 | 120,779 | 1,196,434 | | 2003 | 1,049,850 | 18,248 | 1,068,098 | 934,428 | 164,067 | 1,098,495 | | 2004 | 1,352,030 | 29,518 | 1,381,548 | 907,919 | 287,793 | 1,195,712 | | 2005 | 986,923 | 33,433 | 1,020,356 | 1,212,004 | 48","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226110,"EventID":"S3W-19498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1988,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each local authority has spent on recruitment advertising in national newspapers in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each local authority has spent on recruitment advertising in national newspapers in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"There is no regular publication or survey of advertising costs of each council carried out by the Scottish Government. A partial voluntary survey was carried out in 2006 in order to provide an approximate Scotland-level estimate of advertising costs. Data at council level are incomplete. The business case for a Local Government Recruitment and Public Information Portal developed by the Improvement Service and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities was based on a potential 40 per cent saving against a national total figure of 13.5 million. This national figure was based on the indicative figures from the survey. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226111,"EventID":"S3W-19499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1988,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each local authority has spent on advertising public and statutory notices in national newspapers in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each local authority has spent on advertising public and statutory notices in national newspapers in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"There is no regular publication or survey of advertising costs of each Council carried out by the Scottish Government. A partial voluntary survey was carried out in 2006 in order to provide an approximate Scotland-level estimate of advertising costs. Data at council level are incomplete. The business case for a Local Government Recruitment and Public Information Portal developed by the Improvement Service and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities was based on a potential 40 per cent saving against a national total figure of 13.5 million. This national figure was based on the indicative figures from the survey. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226112,"EventID":"S3W-19500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1988,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each local authority has spent on recruitment advertising in local newspapers in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each local authority has spent on recruitment advertising in local newspapers in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"There is no regular publication or survey of advertising costs of each council carried out by the Scottish Government. A partial voluntary survey was carried out in 2006 in order to provide an approximate Scotland-level estimate of advertising costs. Data at council level are incomplete. The business case for a Local Government Recruitment and Public Information Portal developed by the Improvement Service and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities was based on a potential 40 per cent saving against a national total figure of 13.5 million. This national figure was based on the indicative figures from the survey. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226113,"EventID":"S3W-19501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1988,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each local authority has spent on advertising public and statutory notices in local newspapers in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each local authority has spent on advertising public and statutory notices in local newspapers in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"There is no regular publication or survey of advertising costs of each council carried out by the Scottish Government. A partial voluntary survey was carried out in 2006 in order to provide an approximate Scotland-level estimate of advertising costs. Data at council level are incomplete. The business case for a Local Government Recruitment and Public Information Portal developed by the Improvement Service and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities was based on a potential 40 per cent saving against a national total figure of 13.5 million. This national figure was based on the indicative figures from the survey. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226115,"EventID":"S3W-19503","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-16514 by Stewart Maxwell on 6 October 2008, whether it has released or will release further funding to housing associations in this","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-16514 by Stewart Maxwell on 6 October 2008, whether it has released or will release further funding to housing associations in this financial year.","AnswerText":"We have provided £9.5 million of funding to date to housing associations in 2008-09 for medical adaptations. Total spend in 2008-09 for medical adaptations will be available during April 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226116,"EventID":"S3W-19504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms exist to ensure that disabled people needing urgent adaptations to their homes do not have to wait for more than six months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms exist to ensure that disabled people needing urgent adaptations to their homes do not have to wait for more than six months.","AnswerText":"It is for individual local authorities to identify and meet the eligible needs of people in their area within a reasonable timescale according to relevant welfare and housing legislation and guidance. If individual clients are unhappy about the timescale or any other aspect of the delivery of services or equipment, they can raise this through the local authority''s complaints procedures. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226117,"EventID":"S3W-19505","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it measures unmet need for home adaptations for disabled people and, if so, what the level of unmet need is, expressed in terms of the number of disabled people a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it measures unmet need for home adaptations for disabled people and, if so, what the level of unmet need is, expressed in terms of the number of disabled people and financial cost.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not measure unmet need. It is for individual local authorities to identify and meet the eligible needs of people in their area within a reasonable timescale according to relevant welfare and housing legislation and guidance and to monitor their own performance. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226118,"EventID":"S3W-19506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will implement the legislative changes recommended at paragraph 2.3 of the Annual Report of the Chief Surveillance Commissioner to the Prime Minister and to Sc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will implement the legislative changes recommended at paragraph 2.3 of the Annual Report of the Chief Surveillance Commissioner to the Prime Minister and to Scottish Ministers for 2007-2008 and, if so, when.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is including provision within the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Bill to address the Chief Surveillance Officer''s recommendations. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226119,"EventID":"S3W-19507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether infertility treatment will be included in the 18-week waiting time initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether infertility treatment will be included in the 18-week waiting time initiative.","AnswerText":"Access to infertility services has not historically been included in waiting time targets because there were concerns about breaching patient confidentiality. We have collected data from NHS boards which shows that waiting times for this service vary significantly across the country, and we are currently considering options to address this. We are aware that individual boards have invested in this service to reduce waiting times in their areas. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226120,"EventID":"S3W-19508","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cycles of IVF and ICSI per person can be provided by each NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cycles of IVF and ICSI per person can be provided by each NHS board.","AnswerText":"The government published Expert Advisory Group on Infertility Services in 2000 to inform NHS boards planning and provision of infertility services. These guidelines, which remain extant, recommend that those who are eligible for NHS funded IVF treatment should be offered three cycles. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226121,"EventID":"S3W-19509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has been given to the implications of a move towards single embryo transfer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has been given to the implications of a move towards single embryo transfer.","AnswerText":"The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, the fertility regulatory body, has asked clinics to reduce general multiple pregnancy rates from an average of 24% to 10% over the next three years. We would expect that clinicians providing infertility treatment would discuss with their patients the option of elective single embryo transfer, including whether they are suitable for this treatment, versus the potential risks of multiple pregnancies with two or more embryos. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226122,"EventID":"S3W-19510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the chair of any non-departmental public body (NDPB) or government agency is eligible for inclusion in the civil service pension scheme and whether any such perso","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the chair of any non-departmental public body (NDPB) or government agency is eligible for inclusion in the civil service pension scheme and whether any such person has been admitted to the scheme in the last two financial years.","AnswerText":"In circumstances where the chair of an NDPB or a government agency also performs an executive function they may be admitted to the Civil Service pension arrangements. For NDPBs where the Scottish Government has a direct interest, no chairperson in the last two years has been admitted to the Civil Service pension arrangements. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226123,"EventID":"S3W-19511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact on the Scottish economy of the reduction in VAT announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 24 November 2008.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact on the Scottish economy of the reduction in VAT announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 24 November 2008.","AnswerText":"An assessment by the Scottish Government of the impact on the Scottish economy of the temporary reduction in VAT is available at Scottish Parliament Information Centre, Ref: 338(410.5) SCO2008/10 “ Economic Impact of PBR VAT Cut in Scotland Relative to a Comparable Increase in Capital Investment in 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226124,"EventID":"S3W-19512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the economic impact of utilising the Scottish variable rate in reducing income tax.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the economic impact of utilising the Scottish variable rate in reducing income tax.","AnswerText":"A one pence cut in income tax via the Scottish variable rate would reduce the size of the Scottish Government Budget by approximately £400 million. This would need to be funded by direct cuts in public services and infrastructure investment in Scotland. Given this binding constraint and the current economic climate, we have not considered this a credible economic policy option. Our analysis shows that government expenditure and accelerated investment, which as announced in the Budget Bill 2009-10 are supporting 4,700 jobs in the economy, are vital in supporting the economy at this time. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226125,"EventID":"S3W-19513","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it made in advance of the publication of its 2009-10 budget bill of how many new private sector jobs would be created as a result of its measures.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it made in advance of the publication of its 2009-10 budget bill of how many new private sector jobs would be created as a result of its measures.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government Recovery Programme sets out how the government is using this year''s Budget Bill to support jobs and investment in Scotland in response to the economic downturn. In light of the decisions taken, and in particular the acceleration of capital expenditure, it is estimated that this action will support approximately 4,700 jobs across Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226126,"EventID":"S3W-19514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what comparative assessment it made of the impact on the Irish economy of the Irish Government’s most recent budget in order to inform the Scottish Government’s budgetary","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what comparative assessment it made of the impact on the Irish economy of the Irish Government’s most recent budget in order to inform the Scottish Government’s budgetary process.","AnswerText":"In preparing our draft budget for 2009-10, responding to the UK Chancellor''s pre-budget report, and introducing the Budget Bill, the Scottish Government has taken into account a range of factors including the experience of other countries, such as Ireland. However, as an independent nation, many of the measures which the Irish Government can deploy are not currently available to the Scottish Government under the current devolution settlement. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226127,"EventID":"S3W-19515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what comparative assessment it made of the impact on the Norwegian economy of the Norwegian Government’s most recent budget in order to inform the Scottish Government’s b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what comparative assessment it made of the impact on the Norwegian economy of the Norwegian Government’s most recent budget in order to inform the Scottish Government’s budgetary process.","AnswerText":"In preparing our draft budget for 2009-10, responding to the UK Chancellor''s pre-budget report, and introducing the Budget Bill, the Scottish Government has taken into account a range of factors including the experience of other countries, such as Norway. However, as an independent nation, many of the measures which the Norwegian Government can deploy are not currently available to the Scottish Government under the current devolution settlement. Moreover, Norway has benefited from saving the surpluses from its North Sea production in an oil fund: a massive resource for future generations that leaves it in a very strong fiscal position and able to respond to the economic downturn. Scotland, of course, has no such fund. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226128,"EventID":"S3W-19516","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-17677 by John Swinney on 14 November 2008, whether it is now in a position to detail the status of the new scrutiny bodies announce","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-17677 by John Swinney on 14 November 2008, whether it is now in a position to detail the status of the new scrutiny bodies announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth on 6 November 2008 (Official Report c. 12077).","AnswerText":"Discussions are currently being held with the existing health and social care bodies to help establish the relevant scrutiny bodies and decisions on their structure and functions have yet to be made. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226129,"EventID":"S3W-19517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-17678 by John Swinney on 14 November 2008, when it will publish its response to the Accountability and Governance Action Group on i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-17678 by John Swinney on 14 November 2008, when it will publish its response to the Accountability and Governance Action Group on its recommendations on issues such as guaranteeing independence from government for scrutiny bodies.","AnswerText":"The Accountability and Governance Action group was one of five groups set up last year. The final action group to report published its report on 13 January 2009. I expect to publish a composite response to the Accountability and Governance Action Group, and the other four action groups, shortly. This composite response from the Scottish Government will address the interconnected issues, addressed by all the action groups in their work. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226130,"EventID":"S3W-19518","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2202,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people under the age of (a) 14, (b) 16 and (c) 18 were treated for alcohol-related health problems in each of the last 12 months, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people under the age of (a) 14, (b) 16 and (c) 18 were treated for alcohol-related health problems in each of the last 12 months, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of patients aged under 14, 16 and 18 years discharged with an alcohol related diagnosis in 2006-07 by NHS board of treatment and month of discharge is available from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 47367). ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226131,"EventID":"S3W-19519","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-17756 by Nicola Sturgeon on 24 November 2008, how many GP practices in Coatbridge participate in the extended opening hours scheme ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-17756 by Nicola Sturgeon on 24 November 2008, how many GP practices in Coatbridge participate in the extended opening hours scheme and what the associated costs are.","AnswerText":"Two of the eight GP practices in Coatbridge are contractually signed up to provide extended opening hours. The total payment to these practices for the provision of extended opening hours in this financial year is projected to be £15,429.66. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226132,"EventID":"S3W-19520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19056 by John Swinney on 6 January 2009, what the cost was of early retirement for employees in the Scottish Government Main in eac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19056 by John Swinney on 6 January 2009, what the cost was of early retirement for employees in the Scottish Government Main in each year between 2005 and 2008.","AnswerText":"The detailed information requested is currently being collated and I will write to the member as soon as the information is available. A copy of the letter will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 47410). ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226133,"EventID":"S3W-19521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all of those who registered for the Broadband Reach Project have been contacted by Avanti Caledonian Broadband Ltd with broadband package options.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all of those who registered for the Broadband Reach Project have been contacted by Avanti Caledonian Broadband Ltd with broadband package options.","AnswerText":"All eligible households and businesses who registered by the end May 2008 for the Broadband Reach Project have been contacted at least once by Avanti with broadband package options. In addition, all late registrations that we have been able to accept into the project, to the end of November 2008, have also been contacted by Avanti at least once. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226134,"EventID":"S3W-19522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of those who registered for the Broadband Reach Project have placed an order with Avanti Caledonian Broadband Ltd in the (a) Highlands and Islands and (b) rest o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of those who registered for the Broadband Reach Project have placed an order with Avanti Caledonian Broadband Ltd in the (a) Highlands and Islands and (b) rest of Scotland.","AnswerText":"As of 11 January 2008, 1,605 orders from those who registered for the Broadband Reach Project have been received by Avanti, comprising 842 from the Highlands and Islands and 763 from the rest of Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226135,"EventID":"S3W-19523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many premises in the (a) Highlands and Islands and (b) rest of Scotland have been activated to receive a broadband service through the Broadband Reach Project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many premises in the (a) Highlands and Islands and (b) rest of Scotland have been activated to receive a broadband service through the Broadband Reach Project.","AnswerText":"As of 11 January 2008, 692 installations have taken place under the Broadband Reach Project, comprising 370 in the Highlands and Islands and 322 in the rest of Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226136,"EventID":"S3W-19524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there have been or will be instances of those who have placed an order with Avanti Caledonian Broadband Ltd under the Broadband Reach Project being unable to rece","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there have been or will be instances of those who have placed an order with Avanti Caledonian Broadband Ltd under the Broadband Reach Project being unable to receive a broadband service.","AnswerText":"It is the intention of the Scottish Government and of Avanti that there will be no instances where valid orders are placed that service will not be provided. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226137,"EventID":"S3W-19525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is able to guarantee that broadband services will be provided by the target date of May 2009 to 100% of those who have placed an order for it as part of its Br","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is able to guarantee that broadband services will be provided by the target date of May 2009 to 100% of those who have placed an order for it as part of its Broadband Reach Project.","AnswerText":"It is the intention of the Scottish Government and of Avanti that all valid orders will be provisioned by the end of May 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226138,"EventID":"S3W-19526","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2030,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Scottish Inter Faith Council regarding funding awards and on which dates these discussions took place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Scottish Inter Faith Council regarding funding awards and on which dates these discussions took place.","AnswerText":"As the First Minister announced on 15 January, this matter has been referred to the panel of independent advisors on the Ministerial Code, which will report in due course. The Scottish Inter Faith Council welcomed the commitment to continue funding at the same level as previously, as acknowledged in their email of 6 January to the Minister for Community Safety. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226139,"EventID":"S3W-19527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2030,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding the Scottish Inter Faith Council will be awarded beyond 16 January 2009; what timescale this funding covers, and how this funding settlement compares with pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding the Scottish Inter Faith Council will be awarded beyond 16 January 2009; what timescale this funding covers, and how this funding settlement compares with previous years.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19526 on 22 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226140,"EventID":"S3W-19528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2030,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Scottish Inter Faith Council regarding staff redundancies and when these discussions took place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Scottish Inter Faith Council regarding staff redundancies and when these discussions took place.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19526 on 22 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226141,"EventID":"S3W-19529","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2030,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it informed the Convener of the Scottish Inter Faith Council of the core grant funding that the council would receive beyond 16 January 2009.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it informed the Convener of the Scottish Inter Faith Council of the core grant funding that the council would receive beyond 16 January 2009.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19526 on 22 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226142,"EventID":"S3W-19530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2030,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it informed the chief executive officer of the Scottish Inter Faith Council of the core grant funding that the council would receive beyond 16 January 2009.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it informed the chief executive officer of the Scottish Inter Faith Council of the core grant funding that the council would receive beyond 16 January 2009.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19526 on 22 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226143,"EventID":"S3W-19531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2030,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the notice sent to the Scottish Inter Faith Council to advise it of its funding award beyond 16 January 2009 was made publicly available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the notice sent to the Scottish Inter Faith Council to advise it of its funding award beyond 16 January 2009 was made publicly available.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19526 on 22 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226144,"EventID":"S3W-19532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2030,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it was made aware that eligible staff at the Scottish Inter Faith Council would receive redundancy notices in December 2008.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it was made aware that eligible staff at the Scottish Inter Faith Council would receive redundancy notices in December 2008.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19526 on 22 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226145,"EventID":"S3W-19533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2030,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a final decision was taken on funding for the Scottish Inter Faith Council beyond 16 January 2009.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a final decision was taken on funding for the Scottish Inter Faith Council beyond 16 January 2009.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19526 on 22 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226147,"EventID":"S3W-19535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2030,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the reasons were for it not taking a decision regarding funding awards for the Scottish Inter Faith Council until after eligible staff had received redundancy notice","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the reasons were for it not taking a decision regarding funding awards for the Scottish Inter Faith Council until after eligible staff had received redundancy notices.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19526 on 22 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226148,"EventID":"S3W-19536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2030,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on whether any of the redundancy notices issued to eligible staff at the Scottish Inter Faith Council in December 2008 will be enforced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on whether any of the redundancy notices issued to eligible staff at the Scottish Inter Faith Council in December 2008 will be enforced.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19526 on 22 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226149,"EventID":"S3W-19537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2030,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a manual of good practice or official guidance available to the civil service on the process to be followed in awarding funding to organisations and, if ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a manual of good practice or official guidance available to the civil service on the process to be followed in awarding funding to organisations and, if so, whether such good practice was adhered to in the process of awarding funding to the Scottish Inter Faith Council.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19526 on 22 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226150,"EventID":"S3W-19538","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2030,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the process used in awarding funding to the Scottish Inter Faith Council followed best practice.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the process used in awarding funding to the Scottish Inter Faith Council followed best practice.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19526 on 22 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226151,"EventID":"S3W-19539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2030,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that it is good practice for government to delay taking a decision on funding an organisation until after that organisation had issued redundancy not","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that it is good practice for government to delay taking a decision on funding an organisation until after that organisation had issued redundancy notices to its staff.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19526 on 22 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226152,"EventID":"S3W-19540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2030,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that any delay over the decision on the funding settlement for the Scottish Inter Faith Council causing redundancy notices to be issued ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that any delay over the decision on the funding settlement for the Scottish Inter Faith Council causing redundancy notices to be issued to eligible staff is not repeated in its funding decisions for other organisations.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19526 on 22 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226153,"EventID":"S3W-19541","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2030,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish all correspondence between it and the Scottish Inter Faith Council regarding its funding award beyond 16 January 2009.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish all correspondence between it and the Scottish Inter Faith Council regarding its funding award beyond 16 January 2009.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19526 on 22 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226154,"EventID":"S3W-19542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fine defaulters have served prison sentences in the last year, broken down by prison, and what proportion of all fine defaulters this represents.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fine defaulters have served prison sentences in the last year, broken down by prison, and what proportion of all fine defaulters this represents.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226155,"EventID":"S3W-19543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work it is undertaking to reduce the number of fine defaulters that serve prison sentences.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work it is undertaking to reduce the number of fine defaulters that serve prison sentences.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government have taken forward significant measures to tackle fine default. We are implementing summary justice reform which has brought improvements to the system and changes in the law under the Criminal Proceedings Reform Act. Fines enforcement officers were introduced under that Act. The Scottish Court Service is implementing a project to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of recovery of fines and financial penalties. Fines enforcement officers, currently 30 in number, are active in dealing with penalties payable to Sheriff Courts across Scotland and to Justice of the Peace Courts in those Sheriffdoms where the unification of the administration of the courts is in place. Fines enforcement officers are employed to advise those who have genuine difficulty in paying and to apply enforcement measures such as deduction from benefit where they refuse to pay. To reduce the use of custody in cases of low level fine default the Scottish Government also commenced provisions from 1 September 2007 requiring the mandatory use by courts of supervised attendance orders for fine default of £500, where a custodial sentence would otherwise have been imposed. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226156,"EventID":"S3W-19544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many alternative measures to prison have been (a) imposed on and (b) successfully completed by fine defaulters in the last year and what proportion of all fine defaul","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many alternative measures to prison have been (a) imposed on and (b) successfully completed by fine defaulters in the last year and what proportion of all fine defaulters this represents.","AnswerText":"Information on the numbers and completion rates of Supervised Attendance Orders, which provide courts with an alternative to custody for fine defaulters, is contained in the Criminal Justice Social Work Statistics Bulletin for 2007-08 published on 9 December 2008. It is not possible to express the number of Supervised Attendance Orders imposed as a proportion of the overall number of fine defaulters. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/12/09091001/0. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226157,"EventID":"S3W-19545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average level of fine left outstanding by those fine defaulters who served a prison sentence was in the last year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average level of fine left outstanding by those fine defaulters who served a prison sentence was in the last year.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226158,"EventID":"S3W-19546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much additional capital it estimates that it will receive in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11, (c) 2011-12, (d) 2012-13 and (e) 2013-14 through offering management leases and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much additional capital it estimates that it will receive in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11, (c) 2011-12, (d) 2012-13 and (e) 2013-14 through offering management leases and cutting rights, as proposed in its document Climate Change and the National Forest Estate - Consultation on forestry provisions in the Scottish Climate Change Bill.","AnswerText":"If a decision is taken, following the consultation, that leasing of forest land and cutting rights should take place, the additional capital received will depend upon such factors as the terms of the lease, costs associated with leasing, and the lessee''s expectations of future market conditions. Subject to these factors, it could be in the range £150 to 200 million. The timing of payments will depend upon securing legal powers to allow leasing, the time taken to prepare and agree any leases and decisions about whether or not to receive payment in instalments. No receipts are expected before 2010-11. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226159,"EventID":"S3W-19547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the profile will be of the spread of capital received over the suggested 75 year period of management leases and cutting rights, as proposed in its docu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the profile will be of the spread of capital received over the suggested 75 year period of management leases and cutting rights, as proposed in its document Climate Change and the National Forest Estate - Consultation on forestry provisions in the Scottish Climate Change Bill.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19546 on 20 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226160,"EventID":"S3W-19548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many additional hectares of woodland cover it aims to have been created by (a) 2014, (b) 2019 and (c) 2024.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many additional hectares of woodland cover it aims to have been created by (a) 2014, (b) 2019 and (c) 2024.","AnswerText":"Our current aim is for 10,000 hectares of woodland creation per year. This would result in an additional 50,000 hectares of woodland by 2014, 100,000 hectares by 2019 and 150,000 by 2024. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226161,"EventID":"S3W-19549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated average amount of carbon sequestered by one hectare of woodland is over one rotation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated average amount of carbon sequestered by one hectare of woodland is over one rotation.","AnswerText":"Woodland has the ability to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, converting some of it to wood. The maximum potential carbon stock held in the biomass or woody element of mature woodland in this country is estimated to be around 250 tonnes of carbon per hectare after about 80 years. Less carbon is sequestered if woodland is managed on shorter rotations. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226162,"EventID":"S3W-19550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated average amount of carbon sequestered by one hectare of woodland is (a) one year, (b) five years, (c) 10 years and (d) 25 years after planting.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated average amount of carbon sequestered by one hectare of woodland is (a) one year, (b) five years, (c) 10 years and (d) 25 years after planting.","AnswerText":"The long-term average rate of carbon accumulation by woodland is estimated to be in the order of two to three tonnes of carbon per hectare per year. On this basis, average amounts of carbon sequestered over one, five, 10 and 25 years by one hectare would be approximately (a) two to three tonnes, (b) 10 to 15 tonnes, (c) 20 to 30 tonnes and (d) 50 to 75 tonnes respectively. However, more specific estimates of the pattern of average post-planting carbon accumulation rates would vary with such factors as site productivity and species. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226163,"EventID":"S3W-19551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much land is covered by peatlands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much land is covered by peatlands.","AnswerText":"Our latest estimates are that there are approximately 17,269 km2 of peatland in Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226164,"EventID":"S3W-19552","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the soil carbon pool is held in peatlands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the soil carbon pool is held in peatlands.","AnswerText":"Our latest estimates suggest that peatlands in Scotland contain approximately 1,620 MtC (58%) of Scotland''s total soil carbon, which is approximately 2,800 MtC. (These figures are approximate due to limitations in the currently available data). ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226165,"EventID":"S3W-19553","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making with the Scottish soil framework.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making with the Scottish soil framework.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Soil Framework is currently in the final stages of drafting and will be released as soon as possible. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226166,"EventID":"S3W-19554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many rural development contracts have been awarded that include financial reward for the maintenance and enhancement of peatlands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many rural development contracts have been awarded that include financial reward for the maintenance and enhancement of peatlands.","AnswerText":"A total of ten applications containing peatland management options have been submitted to the Rural Development Contracts - Rural Priorities element of the Scotland Rural Development Programme. Eight of these have been approved. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226167,"EventID":"S3W-19555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will encourage maintenance and reinstatement of peatlands as part of its strategy to combat climate change.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will encourage maintenance and reinstatement of peatlands as part of its strategy to combat climate change.","AnswerText":"In principle, restoration and re-instatement of peatlands may be ultimately beneficial in terms of carbon sequestration. However, uncertainty exists on the time taken for such sites to change from initial sources of methane, to become sinks of carbon dioxide. Given this uncertainty we will be seeking further evidence to allow us and our stakeholders to develop the best approach to this issue. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226168,"EventID":"S3W-19556","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2641,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":28,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much fuel it takes to heat a typical semi-detached house with (a) gas central heating and (b) non-white meter electric heating in (i) Braemar, (ii) Stornoway, (iii) A","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much fuel it takes to heat a typical semi-detached house with (a) gas central heating and (b) non-white meter electric heating in (i) Braemar, (ii) Stornoway, (iii) Aberdeen, (iv) Edinburgh, (v) Dundee and (vi) Glasgow and what information it has on how this compares with the amount that it takes to heat a similar house in Bristol, using data contained in the climatic severity index.","AnswerText":"The fuel used (in kilowatt hours) to heat a typical semi-detached house with gas central heating and with non-white meter electric heating in those locations is shown in table 1: Table 1: The Fuel Used (Kwh) Across Scotland to Heat a Semi-Detached House with Gas Central Heating and Non-White Meter Electric Heating and how this Compares to Bristol | Location | Postcode | Gas Central Heating | Electric Room Heaters | Gas Central Heating | Electric Room Heaters | | Energy (Kwh) | % more than Bristol | | Braemar | AB35 5YL | 16,100 | 9,800 | 65.2 | 66.8 | | Stornoway | HS1 2RN | 15,800 | 9,500 | 61.8 | 62.1 | | Aberdeen | AB11 5QP | 15,300 | 9,200 | 56.4 | 57.3 | | Edinburgh | EH15 1LF | 12,100 | 7,300 | 23.9 | 24.2 | | Dundee | DD2 4PF | 12,600 | 7,600 | 29.3 | 29.9 | | Glasgow | G3 6HB | 11,700 | 7,000 | 19.7 | 19.9 | | Bristol | BS8 1HP | 9,800 | Table 1: The % of Extra Fuel Used Across Scotland to Heat a Semi-Detached and Detached House with Gas Central Heating and Non-White Meter Electric Heating, Compared to Bristol | Location | Postcode | Semi-Detached House | Detached House | | % Higher than Bristol | | Gas | | | | Braemar | AB35 5YL | 65 | 65 | | Stornoway | HS1 2RN | 62 | 53 | | Aberdeen | AB11 5QP | 56 | 51 | | Edinburgh | EH15 1LF | 24 | 22 | | Dundee | DD2 4PF | 29 | 28 | | Glasgow | G3 6HB | 20 | 19 | | Electricity | | | | Braemar | AB35 5YL | 67 | 67 | | Stornoway | HS1 2RN | 62 | 54 | | Aberdeen | AB11 5QP | 57 | 52 | | Edinburgh | EH15 1LF | 24 | 23 | | Dundee | DD2 4PF | | Period | Numbers | | May 2007 | 30 | | June 2007 | 104 | | July 2007 | 129 | | August 2007 | 190 | | September 2007 | 187 | | October 2007 | 167 | | November 2007 | 136 | | December 2007 | 220 | | January 2008 | 194 | | February 2008 | 220 | | March 2008 | 160 | | April 2008 | 176 | | May 2008 | 170 | | June 2008 | 311 | | July 2008 | 99 | | August 2008 | 132 | | September 2008 | 225 | | October 2008 | 203 | | November 2008 | 208 | | December 2008 | 149 | | Total | 3,410 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226171,"EventID":"S3W-19560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total costs have been of employing its Communications Officers since May 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total costs have been of employing its Communications Officers since May 2007.","AnswerText":"The total employment costs, (which includes staffing and associated running costs), for Communications Officers employed in the Scottish Government Communications Directorate over the period 1 May 2007 to 31 December 2008 are £4,106,157. Comparative figures for the period 1 May 2006 to 31 December 2007 are £4,327,904. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226172,"EventID":"S3W-19561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has paid in fees to public relations agencies since May 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has paid in fees to public relations agencies since May 2007.","AnswerText":"The information sought is set out in the following table. The data relates to campaigns that fall under the remit of the Scottish Government Marketing Unit. Information for individual portfolios/directorates is not available. The figure for 2008-09 covers the nine-month period up to 31 December 2009. The figure will increase before the end of the financial year. All figures quoted are inclusive of VAT. The Scottish Government uses public relations agencies from the approved supplier roster as part of integrated marketing strategies designed to inform the public about government policies and legislation, and to effect attitudinal and behavioural change related to campaign topics such as drink driving, health improvement, and climate change. The work undertaken by these agencies is specific to the government''s marketing campaigns and is not to be confused with the work of the in-house communications teams, whose roles include being official spokespeople for Scottish ministers. Public Relations Spend | | 1 May 2007 - 31 March 2008 | 1 April 2008 - 31 December 2008 | | Total | £640,053 | £313,401 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226173,"EventID":"S3W-19562","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the 71 school projects that have been taken forward during the First Minister’s term in office, as referred to by him on 8 January 2009 (Official Rep","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the 71 school projects that have been taken forward during the First Minister’s term in office, as referred to by him on 8 January 2009 (Official Report c. 13820), also showing the (a) responsible local authority, (b) date on which the work was commissioned, (c) date on which the school was opened or reopened and (d) Scottish Government ministers or officials who attended any opening ceremony.","AnswerText":"The list of 71 schools that were completed or substantially refurbished during 2008, financially supported by the record capital and revenue funding made available by this government in the local government settlement, is provided in the following table. It is set out by local authority, date when the school opened or reopened or when the work completed, and indicating where Scottish Government ministers or officials attended any opening ceremony. The Scottish Government does not collect information on the dates when authorities commission work on individual schools. The period covers January to December 2008. In addition, another 81 schools were completed or substantially refurbished between May and December 2007. | Authority | School(s) | Date Opened Etc | Minister/Official attended Opening Ceremony | | Angus | Burnside Primary | February 2008 | | | | Strathmore Primary | January 2008 | | | | Whitehills Primary | February 2008 | | | Dundee | Claypotts Castle Primary | May 2008 | | | | Craigowl Primary | August 2008 | | | | Downfield Primary | August 2008 | | | | Grove Academy | August 2008 | | | | St. Andrew''s RC Primary | August 2008 | | | East Ayrshire | Galston Primary | August 2008 | | | | Grange Academy Campus - Grange Academy ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Maureen Watt","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226174,"EventID":"S3W-19563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18018 by John Swinney on 5 December 2008, when the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth expects to provide the info","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18018 by John Swinney on 5 December 2008, when the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth expects to provide the information requested.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the letter issued on 21 April 2009. A copy of which has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 47096). ","AnswerDate":"2009-04-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226175,"EventID":"S3W-19564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-17901 by John Swinney on 27 November 2008, when the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth expects to provide the inf","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-17901 by John Swinney on 27 November 2008, when the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth expects to provide the information requested.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the letter issued on 21 April 2009. A copy of which has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 47031). ","AnswerDate":"2009-04-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226176,"EventID":"S3W-19565","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-17820 by John Swinney on 27 November 2008, when the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth expects to provide the inf","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-17820 by John Swinney on 27 November 2008, when the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth expects to provide the information requested.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the letter issued on 21 April 2009. A copy of which has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 47030). ","AnswerDate":"2009-04-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226177,"EventID":"S3W-19566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-16437 by Richard Lochhead on 1 October 2008, whether the revised draft regulations on the licensing of dealers in puppies and kitte","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-16437 by Richard Lochhead on 1 October 2008, whether the revised draft regulations on the licensing of dealers in puppies and kittens have been laid before Parliament and, if not, when it expects them to be laid.","AnswerText":"I expect to lay draft regulations on the licensing of dealers in puppies and kittens before Parliament by the end of January 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226178,"EventID":"S3W-19567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-16437 by Richard Lochhead on 1 October 2008, whether it expects the new regulations on the licensing of dealers in puppies and kitt","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-16437 by Richard Lochhead on 1 October 2008, whether it expects the new regulations on the licensing of dealers in puppies and kittens to come into force and, if so, when.","AnswerText":"It is anticipated that the regulations on the licensing of puppy and kitten dealers will come into force on 1 April 2009 subject to parliamentary agreement. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226179,"EventID":"S3W-19568","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-478 by Richard Lochhead on 12 June 2007, what its timetable is for any consultation on draft licensing of animal sanctuaries legisl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-478 by Richard Lochhead on 12 June 2007, what its timetable is for any consultation on draft licensing of animal sanctuaries legislation.","AnswerText":"It is anticipated that a consultation paper on proposals to require animal sanctuaries to be licensed will be issued before the summer recess. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226180,"EventID":"S3W-19569","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-478 by Richard Lochhead on 12 June 2007, what its timetable is for any consultation on draft licensing of livery yards legislation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-478 by Richard Lochhead on 12 June 2007, what its timetable is for any consultation on draft licensing of livery yards legislation.","AnswerText":"It is anticipated that a consultation paper on proposals to require livery yards to be licensed will be issued in the autumn. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226181,"EventID":"S3W-19570","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-17557 by Richard Lochhead on 14 November 2008, what its timetable is for consultation on the replacement of the Pet Animals Act 195","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-17557 by Richard Lochhead on 14 November 2008, what its timetable is for consultation on the replacement of the Pet Animals Act 1951.","AnswerText":"We anticipate that we shall issue a consultation paper on proposals for regulations to replace the Pet Animals Act 1951 towards the end of the year. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226182,"EventID":"S3W-19571","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the regulations covering castration and tail docking of lambs following the Report on the Implications of Castration and Tail Docking for the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the regulations covering castration and tail docking of lambs following the Report on the Implications of Castration and Tail Docking for the Welfare of Lambs published by the Farm Animal Welfare Council in June 2008.","AnswerText":"The government is presently consulting with stakeholders on the recommendations made by the Farm Animal Welfare Council in their report on the castration and tail docking of lambs in consultation with stakeholders. The report does not recommend a ban on these procedures and acknowledges that there are circumstances when there are animal welfare advantages to these procedures being undertaken. The government''s response will be published in due course. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226183,"EventID":"S3W-19572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the public inquiry into infection with hepatitis C and HIV from NHS treatment with blood and blood products, when it intends to formally set up the inquir","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the public inquiry into infection with hepatitis C and HIV from NHS treatment with blood and blood products, when it intends to formally set up the inquiry.","AnswerText":"The public inquiry into infection with hepatitis C/HIV from NHS treatment with blood and blood products will be set up on 13 January 2009. The Right Honourable Lord Penrose has been appointed to chair this Inquiry, to be known as the Penrose Inquiry, and the Instrument of Appointment (Bib. number 47332) and Terms of Reference (Bib. number 47333) have been laid before Parliament today. As I indicated in April, it is not intended to appoint additional panel members. However, the chairman may wish to appoint a medical assessor to assist him. It is for Lord Penrose to conduct the inquiry independently and as thoroughly as he feels necessary. He has advised me that, due to the timescales involved in this inquiry requiring examination of documents dating back to the early 1980s, it is likely that the review of the documentation may take some time to complete. In my statement on 23 April 2008, I indicated that the sum of three million pounds had been included in the current Spending Review for this exercise. The purpose of this inquiry is to investigate this matter thoroughly, and the necessary resources to do so will be provided to the Inquiry from the Health budget. The Inquiries Act 2005 requires that unnecessary costs be avoided and the Scottish Government will monitor the progress and costs of the Inquiry. The appropriate documents, in accordance with Section 6 of the Inquiries Act 2005 are laid before Parliament today under the numbers: SG/2009/3 - Public Inquiry into Hepatitis C/HIV infection from NHS treatment with blood and blood products - Instrument of Appointment of Chair to the Inquiry SG/2009/4 - Public Inquiry into Hepatitis C/HIV infection from NHS treatment with blood and blood products - Terms of Reference for the Public Inquiry into Hepatitis C/HIV infection from NHS treatment with blood and blood products. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226184,"EventID":"S3W-19573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is in respect of the comments made by senior members of the Scottish Police Services Authority (SPSA) at the Grampian Joint Police Board meeting on the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is in respect of the comments made by senior members of the Scottish Police Services Authority (SPSA) at the Grampian Joint Police Board meeting on the 31 October 2008 when they said that the outcome of the consultation, should it deliver a majority of responses in favour of retaining the Aberdeen forensic science laboratory, will not be the recommendation of the SPSA.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Police Services Authority is currently undertaking consultation on the delivery of forensic services to the North and North East of Scotland. The Convener of the SPSA Board has been asked to review all the information available and the views expressed, as well as consider any additional and relevant information before any advice is submitted to ministers on the way forward. The Scottish Government will carefully consider that advice when it is received. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226185,"EventID":"S3W-19574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the terms of reference are for its review of the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP).","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the terms of reference are for its review of the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP).","AnswerText":"I will be meeting with the Scotland Rural Development Programme''s Monitoring Committee on 29 January 2009 to discuss the review. I will be asking them to come to that meeting prepared with preliminary views on how to improve both the effectives of the SRDP and the process by which Rural Priorities is delivered. I will announce greater detail on the review at that point. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226186,"EventID":"S3W-19575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the terms of reference for its review of the Scotland Rural Development Programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the terms of reference for its review of the Scotland Rural Development Programme.","AnswerText":"I will publish the details of the review when I meet with the Scotland Rural Development Programme''s Monitoring Committee on 29 January 2009, as referred to in my answer to the previous question. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226187,"EventID":"S3W-19576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many independent students (a) qualified for and (b) received an additional loan in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many independent students (a) qualified for and (b) received an additional loan in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The number of students qualifying for the additional loan is not held centrally. The number of full-time independent students entitled to the additional loan is shown in the following table: Independent Full-Time Students Entitled to the Additional Loan | Academic Year | Number of Students | | 2003-04 | 330 | | 2004-05 | 390 | | 2005-06 | 370 | | 2006-07 | 400 | | 2007-08 | 475 | Source: SAAS. Note: Numbers have been rounded to the nearest five. Independent students are only entitled to the Additional Loan if their status has changed during their course i.e. they get married or have a child and are therefore classed as independent AND they had been entitled previously to the additional loan, provided the income of their partner (if they married) remains below the threshold. Therefore only a small number of independent students receive the additional loan. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226188,"EventID":"S3W-19577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total amount was of additional loans to independent students in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total amount was of additional loans to independent students in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The total amount of additional loan support assessed for full-time independent students is shown in the following table. Amount of Additional Loan Support Assessed for Full-Time Independent Students | Academic Year | Amounts £000 | | 2003-04 | 168 | | 2004-05 | 204 | | 2005-06 | 200 | | 2006-07 | 222 | | 2007-08 | 271 | Source: SAAS. Independent students are only entitled to the additional loan if their status has changed during their course i.e. they get married or have a child and are therefore classed as independent AND they had been entitled previously to the additional loan, provided the income of their partner (if they married) remains below the threshold. Therefore only a small number of independent students receive the additional loan. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226189,"EventID":"S3W-19578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish students studying in the rest of the United Kingdom received (a) income assessed and (b) additional loans from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland, b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish students studying in the rest of the United Kingdom received (a) income assessed and (b) additional loans from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland, broken down by (i) income, (ii) independent and dependent status and (iii) amount received.","AnswerText":"The number of full-time Scottish students studying in the rest of the United Kingdom that were assessed for income assessed loans in the academic year 2007-08 is shown in table 1. Table 1: Scottish Full-Time Students Studying in the Rest of the UK Supported by Income Assessed Loans | Parental/Spousal Income | Independent | Dependent | | Number | Amount £000 | Number | Amount £000 | | Income not declared/required | 5 | 8 | 45 | 106 | | less than £10,000 | 30 | 56 | 355 | 733 | | £10,000 - £19,999 | 15 | 33 | 390 | 803 | | £20,000 - £29,999 | 10 | 27 | 370 | 902 | | £30,000 - £39,999 | 0 | 5 | 305 | 708 | | £40,000 - £49,999 | 0 | 3 | 260 | 378 | | £50,000 and over | 0 | 1 | 145 | 136 | | Exempt from Parental/Spousal Contribution | 510 | 1,150 | 0 | 0 | | Total | 575 | 1,283 | 1,870 | 3,766 NHS Education for Scotland were allocated funds under the Dental Action Plan to support five major work streams with 14 distinct projects. Part of the funding was to meet the revenue costs of the educational aspects of new teach and treat centres across Scotland. NHS Education for Scotland has had to commit revenue in support of each NHS board''s business case in respect of these developments. Each major centre''s revenue costs are in the region of £500,000 and NHS Education for Scotland has had to hold this money against future revenue commitments. However, the centres have taken longer to complete than anticipated and this has therefore resulted in a revenue underspend for NHS Education for Scotland. NHS Education for Scotland protects its Dental Action Plan funding and the underspend in revenue is normally carried forward into the next year for future commitment within NHS Education for Scotland. This resulted in a large underpend being accumulated. Therefore in the interest of proper use of public funds, complete transparency and achieving best value for dental services across Scotland, as a one off exercise, the funds which were not required in 2007-08 were returned by NHS Education for Scotland to the Scottish Government. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226191,"EventID":"S3W-19580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Agenda for Change assimilation process has been completed for all staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Agenda for Change assimilation process has been completed for all staff.","AnswerText":"Significant progress on assimilation has been made during 2008. End of December figures indicate that over 138,000 substantive NHSScotland staff have now been assimilated to Agenda for Change. Health boards are continuing to work very hard to complete the assimilation process but some 960 substantive staff around the country remain to be placed on Agenda for Change scales. A proportion of those left to assimilate are cases where there is some difficulty with identifying the correct banding or where a special job evaluation process is required. Boards have left these posts till last and will be working through any issues which need to be addressed in assimilating these staff over the next few months in partnership with trade union and professional organisations. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226192,"EventID":"S3W-19581","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the NHS will be able to access capital funding from the Scottish Futures Trust.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the NHS will be able to access capital funding from the Scottish Futures Trust.","AnswerText":"As the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth has made clear on a number of occasions, the Government''s strategic business case for the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT), published in May 2008, does not currently envisage SFT as a direct provider of capital funding. NHS boards are drawing on SFT''s knowledge and expertise in relation to capital projects, for example through the Hub initiative, to help ensure maximum value for public investment in these projects. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226193,"EventID":"S3W-19582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much additional funding has been allocated to each local authority up to 2010-11 to achieve the target of 10,000 extra weeks of respite care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much additional funding has been allocated to each local authority up to 2010-11 to achieve the target of 10,000 extra weeks of respite care.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is providing an extra £4.19 million to local authorities “ on top of the overall settlement “ to enable local authorities to deliver in full by 2010-11 the commitment in the concordat to progress towards delivering 10,000 extra respite weeks per annum. This additional funding will be provided to local authorities in 2009-10 and 2010-11. The allocations for 2009-10, broken down by authority, are provided in the following table. The allocations for 2010-11 are not yet available. The whole 2009-10 local government finance settlement is provisional until the Parliament approves both the overall 2009-10 Scottish Budget Bill and the Local Government Finance Order 2009. Additional Allocation to Deliver 10,000 Additional Respite Weeks (this is Additional to Concordat Funding for this Commitment) | Local Authority | £ Million | | Aberdeen City | 0.053 | | Aberdeenshire | 0.056 | | Angus | 0.031 | | Argyll and Bute | 0.027 | | Clackmannanshire | 0.012 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 0.044 | | Dundee City | 0.044 | | East Ayrshire | 0.033 | | East Dunbartonshire | 0.025 | | East Lothian | 0.026 | | East Renfrewshire | 0.021 | | Edinburgh (City of) | 0.118 | | Eilean Siar | 0.009 | | Falkirk | 0.039 | | Fife | 0.098 | | Glasgow City | 0.165 | | Highland | 0.057 | | Inverclyde | 0.024 | | Midlothian | 0.020 | | We have also agreed with COSLA that they will monitor the delivery of the additional respite weeks and will report to the Scottish Government with total Scotland-wide figures. The Audit Scotland Performance Indicator figures showing the baseline for each local authority for 2007-08 were published in December 2008. The break-down of additional respite weeks to be provided by each authority in 2008-09 is not yet available. COSLA officials are liaising with local authorities regarding the arrangements for collecting information to monitor the delivery of the commitment. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226195,"EventID":"S3W-19584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many additional weeks of respite care are to be provided by each local authority in 2009-10.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many additional weeks of respite care are to be provided by each local authority in 2009-10.","AnswerText":"We have agreed with COSLA that local authorities will provide an additional 6,000 respite weeks in 2009-10. These additional weeks will be measured using the baseline of Audit Scotland''s Statutory Performance Indicators figures on respite in 2007-08. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226196,"EventID":"S3W-19585","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19208 by John Swinney on 9 January 2009, how, in each case, it intends to evaluate the effectiveness of the £1 million additional f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19208 by John Swinney on 9 January 2009, how, in each case, it intends to evaluate the effectiveness of the £1 million additional funding allocated to ensure that (a) offenders start their community service orders more quickly and (b) orders are completed in a shorter timescale and what specific criteria it will use.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19200 on 15 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226197,"EventID":"S3W-19586","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19208 by John Swinney on 9 January 2009, what specific activities or resources it expects community justice authorities to spend th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19208 by John Swinney on 9 January 2009, what specific activities or resources it expects community justice authorities to spend the £1 million additional funding on and how, in each case, this will help to ensure that (a) offenders start their community service orders more quickly and (b) orders are completed in a shorter timescale.","AnswerText":"It is anticipated that local authorities will use the bulk of the additional £1 million being made available to employ additional community service staff. Local authorities are responsible for the operational delivery of community service orders and how best to deploy available resources to achieve the desired improvements to timescales for the start and completion of orders. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226198,"EventID":"S3W-19587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, prior to the announcement on 24 October 2008 by Kenny MacAskill MSP of an additional £1 million of funding for these purposes, what discussions it had with each communit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, prior to the announcement on 24 October 2008 by Kenny MacAskill MSP of an additional £1 million of funding for these purposes, what discussions it had with each community justice authority on how to ensure that (a) offenders start their community service orders more quickly and (b) orders are completed in a shorter timescale.","AnswerText":"The chief officers of the community justice authorities (CJAs) have been represented on the project group which has been overseeing the revision of the National Objectives and Standards which provide the operational framework for criminal justice social work services, including community service orders. The CJAs, along with a range of other interested parties, were consulted in August 2008 on the final draft of the revised high level Standards, which include reference to early commencement of orders and speed of completion. The CJAs supported the revised standards. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226199,"EventID":"S3W-19588","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18896 by Kenny MacAskill on 9 January 2009, what the reasons are for the Alcohol Awareness Programme not being offered to prisoners","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18896 by Kenny MacAskill on 9 January 2009, what the reasons are for the Alcohol Awareness Programme not being offered to prisoners at HMP Dumfries or HMP Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows: The SPS delivers a suite of prisoner programmes and approved activities that address issues or provide awareness pertaining to substance misuse, including alcohol. This suite of interventions is continually evolving to keep pace with current practice and changes in substance abuse trends in the community. Whilst the approved activity Alcohol Awareness specialises specifically on alcohol, and mainly the physiological effects of alcohol misuse, the other approved activities cover wider substance related awareness and issues, including alcohol. Currently this suite of substance related interventions includes the prisoner programme Substance Related Offending Behaviour Programme (SROBP) and approved activities Drugs Action for Change; First Step; Smart Recovery and Alcohol Awareness in public sector prisons. Currently HMP Kilmarnock delivers substance related approved activities Over-comers and Advanced Drug Awareness and plans are in place for Kilmarnock to introduce SROBP this year (2009-10). Currently HMP Dumfries delivers approved activity First Step and the Prisoner Programme Constructs. The aggregated risk and needs profile of prisoners at Dumfries indicates that this is the best use of the available resources at this time. Prisoners also have access to an Enhanced Addictions Casework Service (EACS) with interventions including alcohol assessment, one-to-one, group work and smoking cessation support. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226200,"EventID":"S3W-19589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18896 by Kenny MacAskill on 9 January 2009, whether it intends to offer the Alcohol Awareness Programme to prisoners suffering from","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18896 by Kenny MacAskill on 9 January 2009, whether it intends to offer the Alcohol Awareness Programme to prisoners suffering from alcohol-related problems at HMP Dumfries or HMP Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19588 on 19 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. There are no immediate plans to introduce the approved activity Alcohol Awareness at HMPs Dumfries or Kilmarnock. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226201,"EventID":"S3W-19590","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18896 by Kenny MacAskill on 9 January 2009, given that the Alcohol Awareness Programme is not offered to prisoners at HMP Dumfries ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18896 by Kenny MacAskill on 9 January 2009, given that the Alcohol Awareness Programme is not offered to prisoners at HMP Dumfries or HMP Kilmarnock, what alternative forms of support are offered to prisoners suffering from alcohol-related problems.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19588 on 19 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226202,"EventID":"S3W-19591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18896 by Kenny MacAskill on 9 January 2009, what evaluation it will make of the Alcohol Awareness Programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18896 by Kenny MacAskill on 9 January 2009, what evaluation it will make of the Alcohol Awareness Programme.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19593 on 19 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226203,"EventID":"S3W-19592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18896 by Kenny MacAskill on 9 January 2009, how much it cost to run and how many prisoners took part in the Alcohol Awareness Prog","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18896 by Kenny MacAskill on 9 January 2009, how much it cost to run and how many prisoners took part in the Alcohol Awareness Programme in the last year, broken down by prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The cost for delivering the approved activity Alcohol Awareness is not separately available. It is contained within the general programme costs. The following number of prisoners completed the approved activity Alcohol Awareness during 2007-08, broken down by prison: | Barlinnie | 25 | | Edinburgh | 47 | | Glenochil | 19 | | Perth | 49 | | Shotts | 47 | | Polmont | 60 | | Aberdeen | 35 | | Cornton Vale | 18 | | Greenock | 52 | | Inverness | 11 | | Peterhead | 39 | | Total | 402 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226204,"EventID":"S3W-19593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to question S3W-18896 by Kenny MacAskill on 9 January 2009, how the Scottish Prison Service evaluates the Alcohol Awareness Programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to question S3W-18896 by Kenny MacAskill on 9 January 2009, how the Scottish Prison Service evaluates the Alcohol Awareness Programme.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The SPS-developed approved activity Alcohol Awareness is, as described, an awareness intervention. It focuses on the physiological effects of alcohol misuse. There are built in pre and post-evaluation questionnaires that measure the level of improved awareness of alcohol misuse issues of those prisoners who have participated in the intervention. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226205,"EventID":"S3W-19594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18896 by Kenny MacAskill on 9 January 2009, how many prisoners have attended the Alcohol Awareness Programme during their sentences","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18896 by Kenny MacAskill on 9 January 2009, how many prisoners have attended the Alcohol Awareness Programme during their sentences in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The number of prisoners who completed the Alcohol Awareness programme in the last three years is as follows: 2007-08 “ 402 prisoners completed the programme. 2006-07 “ 392 prisoners completed the programme 2005-06 “ 368 prisoners completed the programme. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226206,"EventID":"S3W-19595","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18896 by Kenny MacAskill on 9 January 2009, what the duration is of the Alcohol Awareness Programme and what it involves for partic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18896 by Kenny MacAskill on 9 January 2009, what the duration is of the Alcohol Awareness Programme and what it involves for participants.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The SPS-developed Approved Activity Alcohol Awareness is a 16-hour awareness intervention. It focuses mainly on the physiological effects of alcohol misuse and why it can become addictive. It also looks at reasons why people become addicted to alcohol and how situations where alcohol can lead to offending behaviour can be avoided. It is emphasised that this is an awareness intervention, which is reflected in the short duration of the activity. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226207,"EventID":"S3W-19596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of a report in the Press and Journal on 7 January 2009, what assessment it makes of the AA’s call for the vehicles of repeat drink-drivers to be confiscated.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of a report in the Press and Journal on 7 January 2009, what assessment it makes of the AA’s call for the vehicles of repeat drink-drivers to be confiscated.","AnswerText":"In cases where a road traffic offence punishable by imprisonment has been committed, Section 33A of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 provides the courts with the power to make an order for the forfeiture of a vehicle following an application from the prosecutor. The range of penalties for drink driving offences includes imprisonment. The decision to apply for the forfeiture of a vehicle is a matter for the prosecutor. Sentencing decisions are a matter for the judge, who hears all the facts and circumstances surrounding the offence and the offender, and is able to take into account any factors which he or she considers to be relevant. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226208,"EventID":"S3W-19597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what lessons it has learnt following the Festive Road Safety Campaign for 2008.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what lessons it has learnt following the Festive Road Safety Campaign for 2008.","AnswerText":"Figures provided by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) indicate that there were 610 positive or refused breath tests during the period of the recent Festive Safety Campaign. Although this represents a welcome reduction of 23% compared with the previous year, it is clear that there are still those who are ignoring messages about drinking and driving. The figures for the recent campaign reinforce our approach which is to target drink-drive publicity particularly at male drivers, particularly those under 25 years. Scottish police forces are considering the introduction this year of new Data Enabled Breath Screening Devices, which are being provided by the UK Department for Transport (DFT). The device will provide full roadside screening which can be used as evidence in a prosecution, without the need for a further test. If accepted by ACPOS, as part of the agreement with DFT, police forces will record negative breath tests, which will provide more comprehensive information about drink-driving. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226209,"EventID":"S3W-19598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to reduce the number of people drink and drug-driving in 2009.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to reduce the number of people drink and drug-driving in 2009.","AnswerText":"Through Road Safety Scotland (RSS), we will continue to support the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) enforcement campaigns focussing on drink and drug-driving. We will also look for further opportunities to raise public awareness of drink and drug-driving issues. Road Safety Scotland is currently looking at the best way to tackle the problem of drug-driving. Current research will inform future publicity initiatives on this issue. We will continue to build on innovative publicity and education tools such as Crash Magnets, which aims to encourage responsible attitudes to driving before young people get behind the wheel. We will also continue our joint approach to this issue between RSS and ACPOS, which includes two main campaigns, one in summer and one at the festive season, with additional media campaigns and publicity on billboards, radio and the internet. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226210,"EventID":"S3W-19599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, following the Festive Road Safety Campaign for 2008, how it intends to maintain the momentum of the campaign and dissemination of its message.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, following the Festive Road Safety Campaign for 2008, how it intends to maintain the momentum of the campaign and dissemination of its message.","AnswerText":"Through Road Safety Scotland, we intend to keep the drink and drug-driving message in the public domain through partnerships with the private sector; publicity materials; editorial platforms, and advertising in support of national enforcement campaigns run by the Association of Chief Police Officers. We will continue to use innovative methods of passing road safety messages to target audiences. In a recent world first, the X-Box live gaming environment was used to geographically target drink drive messages at Scotland-based gamers. A Facebook page was also created, during the festive campaign, which provided information about the consequences of drink-driving for a fictitious character “ Norman Naemates. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226211,"EventID":"S3W-19600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of drink and drug-drivers caught by police represents repeat offenders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of drink and drug-drivers caught by police represents repeat offenders.","AnswerText":"Information on whether drink and drug drivers are repeat offenders is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226212,"EventID":"S3W-19601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it intends to tackle repeat drink and drug-drivers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it intends to tackle repeat drink and drug-drivers.","AnswerText":"A recent debate in the Scottish Parliament called for the lowering of the drink drive limit and the introduction of powers for the police to conduct random breath testing. We have written to the UK Government in support of these measures and will continue to press for a change to the relevant legislation. We firmly believe that these measures will help to tackle the problem of drinking and driving. Currently, legislation set by the UK Government includes more severe penalties for repeat offenders and we are considering, as part of the forthcoming road safety strategy, what further actions may be appropriate for repeat drink and drug drive offenders. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226213,"EventID":"S3W-19602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to amend the legislation that requires local and national government to publish government notices in local and national newspapers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to amend the legislation that requires local and national government to publish government notices in local and national newspapers.","AnswerText":"Local Government supported by the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities are developing a portal to advertise Public Information Notices online. The pilot authorities are City of Edinburgh, Fife, Glasgow City, Inverclyde and South Lanarkshire. The project also includes a review of current legislation relating to statutory notice requirements which should be completed by February 2009. Public Information Notices frequently have a statutory basis and the law of these could not be changed without parliamentary procedure. There will be consultation on the proposals and regulations will be drawn up which, if made, form the legal basis to allow certain notices to be published electronically. These regulations have to be laid in Parliament and will be subject to parliamentary procedure including scrutiny by parliamentary committees. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226214,"EventID":"S3W-19603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-16622 by Maureen Watt on 24 October 2008, whether it can confirm the exact date on which the teachers census will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-16622 by Maureen Watt on 24 October 2008, whether it can confirm the exact date on which the teachers census will be published.","AnswerText":"No. The date of publication will be announced on the government website next month. The latest information on all forthcoming statistical publications can be found each month using the following link http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Search/Forthcoming. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Maureen Watt","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226215,"EventID":"S3W-19604","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times ministers have met with fishing co-operatives since 17 May 2007, broken down by (a) date and (b) co-operative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times ministers have met with fishing co-operatives since 17 May 2007, broken down by (a) date and (b) co-operative.","AnswerText":"The detailed information requested is currently being collated and I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 47390). ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226216,"EventID":"S3W-19605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Welsh Assembly Government in respect of securing Fair Trade nation status.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Welsh Assembly Government in respect of securing Fair Trade nation status.","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials have had regular discussions with contacts in the Welsh Assembly Government regarding the issue of Fair Trade and securing Fair Trade Nation status. Additionally, both the Scottish and Welsh Fair Trade Forums engage on a regular basis and the Scottish Government officials continue to have regular discussions with the Scottish Fair Trade Forum to obtain an update on Fair Trade activities both in Scotland and Wales. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Linda Fabiani","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226217,"EventID":"S3W-19606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many towns and cities have obtained Fair Trade status since 2004, broken down by year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many towns and cities have obtained Fair Trade status since 2004, broken down by year.","AnswerText":"All of Scotland''s six cities have achieved Fair Trade status. The breakdown by year is as follows: 2004: four cities achieved Fair Trade status 2006: two cities achieved Fair Trade status. In addition, there are many towns in Scotland that have also achieved Fair Trade status (towns in this context also includes islands and boroughs). The breakdown by year since 2004 is: 2004: four towns achieved Fair Trade status 2005: seven towns achieved Fair Trade status 2006: eight towns achieved Fair Trade status 2007: 11 towns achieved Fair Trade status 2008: seven towns achieved Fair Trade status. Further details are available from the Fairtrade Foundation''s website at: http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/get_involved/campaigns/fairtrade_towns/towns_list.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Linda Fabiani","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226218,"EventID":"S3W-19607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18765 by Stewart Maxwell on 18 December 2008, which local authorities it designates as being within the Glasgow travel-to-work area","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18765 by Stewart Maxwell on 18 December 2008, which local authorities it designates as being within the Glasgow travel-to-work area and therefore eligible to apply for grants from Sense over Sectarianism.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not set the boundaries for areas eligible to apply for grants from Sense over Sectarianism. This is entirely a matter for Sense over Sectarianism. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226219,"EventID":"S3W-19608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements it has in place with credit unions for the purpose of offering services to Scottish Government staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements it has in place with credit unions for the purpose of offering services to Scottish Government staff.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has an arrangement in place with Capital Credit Union. This allows any member of Scottish Government staff to join the union and: Make payments direct from salary “ with deductions from £1 per week with no upper limit Receive a dividend on balances of £1 upward Have access to loans with competitive interest rates Receive free life insurance on both savings and loans. No administration fees are charged on the operation of the account or deductions from salary. Capital Credit Union is the only organisation that the Scottish Government has an official arrangement with. However, under TUPE arrangements several members of staff have transferred into the organisation who are members of other credit unions. In these circumstances the Scottish Government has provided the facility for these staff to continue making payments to their existing schemes through payroll. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226220,"EventID":"S3W-19609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has committed to providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has committed to providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza.","AnswerText":"No specific amount has been allocated as yet. At this stage we are assessing what type of assistance is required and how we can best target our support. I have arranged to meet those Scottish based organisations involved in Gaza to hear first hand about their work and discuss how best the Scottish Government can assist. Our response will be informed by these discussions. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Linda Fabiani","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226221,"EventID":"S3W-19610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources it is making available to assist in providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources it is making available to assist in providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza.","AnswerText":"Both the Deputy First Minister and I made it clear during the recent debate on Gaza, that the Scottish Government stands ready to respond favourably to any requests for humanitarian assistance to Gaza. In addition, ministers have indicated that the NHS in Scotland is ready to help civilians affected by the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Linda Fabiani","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226222,"EventID":"S3W-19611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list its meetings with SEStran since December 2007 regarding the use of the Forth Road Bridge for public transport, also showing what was discussed. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list its meetings with SEStran since December 2007 regarding the use of the Forth Road Bridge for public transport, also showing what was discussed. ","AnswerText":"The following meetings were held with SEStran to discuss developments with the Forth Replacement Crossing, including the use of the Forth Road Bridge (FRB) for public transport: 21 October 2008, meeting to discuss refined strategy including the use of the Forth Road Bridge (FRB) for public transport. 8 January 2009, Stakeholder Briefing Session to provide project update following decisions being made on the function of the replacement crossing, the use of the FRB, the proposed design of the new bridge, the road connections, and the funding, procurement and legislation of the project. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226223,"EventID":"S3W-19612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list its meetings with City of Edinburgh Council since December 2007 regarding the use of the Forth Road Bridge for public transport, also showing what wa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list its meetings with City of Edinburgh Council since December 2007 regarding the use of the Forth Road Bridge for public transport, also showing what was discussed. ","AnswerText":"The following meetings were held with officials from the City of Edinburgh Council to discuss developments with the Forth Replacement Crossing, including the use of the Forth Road Bridge (FRB) for public transport: 30 October 2008, meeting to discuss the refined strategy for the replacement crossing including the use of the FRB for public transport. 9 January 2009, Stakeholder Briefing Session to provide project update following decisions being made on the function of the replacement crossing, the use of the FRB, the proposed design of the new bridge, the road connections, and the funding, procurement and legislation of the project. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226224,"EventID":"S3W-19613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list its meetings with SEStran since December 2007 regarding the Forth Replacement Crossing, also showing what was discussed. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list its meetings with SEStran since December 2007 regarding the Forth Replacement Crossing, also showing what was discussed. ","AnswerText":"The following meetings were held with SEStran to discuss the Forth Replacement Crossing (FRC): 6 March 2008, Stakeholder Briefing Session to provide project update following decision to proceed with cable stayed bridge and to discuss stakeholder engagement 4 July 2008, meeting to discuss road alignment options 22 August 2008, meeting to discuss road alignment options and possible light rapid transit routes 21 October 2008, meeting to discuss refined strategy including the use of the Forth Road Bridge (FRB) for public transport 8 January 2009, Stakeholder Briefing Session to provide project update following decisions being made on the function of the replacement crossing, the use of the FRB, the proposed design of the new bridge, the road connections, and the funding, procurement and legislation of the project. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226225,"EventID":"S3W-19614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list its meetings with City of Edinburgh Council since December 2007 regarding the Forth Replacement Crossing, also showing what was discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list its meetings with City of Edinburgh Council since December 2007 regarding the Forth Replacement Crossing, also showing what was discussed.","AnswerText":"The following meetings have been held with officials from the City of Edinburgh Council to discuss the Forth Replacement Crossing (FRC): 6 March 2008, Stakeholder Briefing Session to provide project update following decision to proceed with cable stayed bridge and to discuss stakeholder engagement 25 March 2008, meeting to discuss initial corridors for the connecting roads 17 June 2008, meeting to discuss road alignment options 30 October 2008, meeting to discuss refined strategy including the use of the Forth Road Bridge for public transport 9 January 2009, Stakeholder Briefing Session to provide project update following decisions being made on the function of the replacement crossing, the use of the FRB, the proposed design of the new bridge, the road connections, and the funding, procurement and legislation of the project. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226226,"EventID":"S3W-19615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it,or Transport Scotland, has had plans at any time since 1999 to construct a bypass around Selkirk on the A7.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it,or Transport Scotland, has had plans at any time since 1999 to construct a bypass around Selkirk on the A7.","AnswerText":"No. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226227,"EventID":"S3W-19616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of the £6.8 million increase under the support for ferry services heading in Scotland’s Budget Documents 2009-10: Budget (Scotland) Bi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of the £6.8 million increase under the support for ferry services heading in Scotland’s Budget Documents 2009-10: Budget (Scotland) Bill Supporting Document for the year ending 31 March 2010.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19617 on 26 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226228,"EventID":"S3W-19617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of the £9.2 million capital spend under the vessels and piers heading in Scotland’s Budget Documents 2009-10: Budget (Scotland) Bill S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of the £9.2 million capital spend under the vessels and piers heading in Scotland’s Budget Documents 2009-10: Budget (Scotland) Bill Supporting Document for the year ending 31 March 2010.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not publish figures below those detailed in the budget documents you refer to. However, the increase in budget provision between 2008-09 and 2009-10 is necessary to maintain the level of service on lifeline ferry services in Scotland. This in line with the Scottish Government commitment to support lifeline ferry services to promote sustainable economic growth in our remote and island communities. In addition, I refer you to the Cabinet Secretary''s response of 7 January 2009 to the conclusions and recommendations of the Finance Committee 7th report, 2008 (session 3) Stage 2 of the 2009-10 budget process. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226229,"EventID":"S3W-19618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many public analyst laboratories there have been in each year since 1995.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many public analyst laboratories there have been in each year since 1995.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. However, we understand there are currently four public analyst laboratories: in Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226230,"EventID":"S3W-19619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many public analysts have been employed in each year since 1995.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many public analysts have been employed in each year since 1995.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226231,"EventID":"S3W-19620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much local authorities spent on public analysts working on food quality and safety in each year since 1995.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much local authorities spent on public analysts working on food quality and safety in each year since 1995.","AnswerText":"The following table shows provisional outturn net revenue expenditure by local authorities on public analysts from 1996-97 to 2007-08. The Scottish Government does not hold final outturn data confirming these figures. The table does not include figures for 1995-96, which was prior to local government reorganisation and the creation of the current 32 unitary authorities. Public Analyst Provisional Net Revenue Expenditure | | £000 | | 1996-97 | 2,058 | | 1997-98 | 1,689 | | 1998-99 | 1,689 | | 1999-00 | 1,957 | | 2000-01 | 1,007 | | 2001-02 | 1,948 | | 2002-03 | 3,692 | | 2003-04 | 4,079 | | 2004-05 | 3,933 | | 2005-06 | 4,140 | | 2006-07 | 4,344 | | 2007-08 | 4,493 | Source: As reported by local authorities in Provisional Outturn Budget Estimate (POBE) returns. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226232,"EventID":"S3W-19621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to address any shortage of science teachers in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to address any shortage of science teachers in schools.","AnswerText":"The most recent survey of teacher vacancies does not indicate a significant shortage of science teachers in Scottish schools. It shows that there were five vacancies for biology teachers, eight for chemistry teachers, two for general science teachers and five for physics teachers; of which three, two, zero and two respectively had been vacant for more than three months. These vacancy numbers represent only 0.06% of the total number of science teachers in Scottish schools. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/06/17090110/0. We do know, however, that some local authorities experience difficulty from time to time recruiting teachers to particular posts in particular schools. This will be born in mind in our continuing promotion of the teaching profession, for example at career and recruitment fairs, and in research we will be commissioning shortly into what might persuade teachers to move to teach in more remote parts of Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Maureen Watt","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226233,"EventID":"S3W-19622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will identify each resource, location and projected financial income expected from the £256,000 of accruing resources, for use of Scottish ministers through th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will identify each resource, location and projected financial income expected from the £256,000 of accruing resources, for use of Scottish ministers through their Rural Affairs and the Environment portfolio, cited in Schedule 1 of the Budget (Scotland) (No.2) Bill.","AnswerText":"Schedule 1 of the Budget (Scotland) (No. 2) Bill shows that accruing resources estimated at £256,000 will be available for use by Scottish ministers through their Rural Affairs and the Environment portfolio from the sale of land, buildings and equipment, and the sale of holdings to existing tenants. We estimate that the total sum will be made up as follows: | Sale of: | £ | | Fisheries Research Services “ Capital receipts for sale of research system | 1,000 | | Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency “ Sales of surplus capital equipment | 5,000 | | Estates Management “ Sales of land | 250,000 | | Total | 256,000 | It is not possible at this stage to identify the individual assets or land that will be sold in 2009-10. We do not envisage that the current economic climate will impair the level of receipts anticipated. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226234,"EventID":"S3W-19623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, when an individual room within a building is leased out, an energy performance certificate (EPC) is required under the Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, when an individual room within a building is leased out, an energy performance certificate (EPC) is required under the Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2008 and, if so, whether the EPC should refer to the individual room or to the building as a whole. ","AnswerText":"I have to advise that I am not in a position to interpret the legislation that covers Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) in Scotland. Interpretation in the first instance is the responsibility of the local authorities and ultimately could be a matter for the courts to decide. I am in a position to provide informal advice on the intention behind the legislation and my response should be viewed with that in mind. The Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2008 require an EPC for the building and reference a definition. The definition of building is the same as in the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (2002/91/EC), as a roofed construction having walls, for which energy is used to condition the indoor climate; a building may refer to the building as a whole or parts thereof that have been designed or altered to be used separately. EPCs are required for all individual dwellings. In the case of other buildings, the EPC covers the entire building. However, where the building is divided into units that are fire separated units, the EPC can either cover the entire building, depending on the heating system arrangements, or, alternatively, separate certificates can be carried out for each individual unit. In some instances, the fire separated units could be single rooms which are occupied by different tenants. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226235,"EventID":"S3W-19624","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, when a portion of a building is leased out, an energy performance certificate (EPC) is required under the Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, when a portion of a building is leased out, an energy performance certificate (EPC) is required under the Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2008 and, if so, whether the EPC should refer to the portion of the building leased out or to the building as a whole.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19623 on 27 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226236,"EventID":"S3W-19625","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what type of buildings or their subdivisions are exempt from the requirement to display an energy performance certificate under the Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what type of buildings or their subdivisions are exempt from the requirement to display an energy performance certificate under the Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2008.","AnswerText":"I have to advise that I am not in a position to interpret the legislation that covers Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) in Scotland. Interpretation in the first instance is the responsibility of the local authorities and ultimately could be a matter for the courts to decide. I am in a position to provide informal advice on the intention behind the legislation and my response should be viewed with that in mind. Due to the disparate nature of the public building stock in Scotland, it is not possible to provide a definitive list of exemptions. The Energy Performance of Building (Scotland) Regulations 2008 define a public building as a building with a floor area of more than 1,000m2, which is occupied by a public authority or by an institution providing public services and which can be visited by the public. Guidance on the requirement to display an EPC is given as: The requirement to display a certificate applies only to buildings which meet all of the following criteria: the conditioned (heated/cooled) area of the building is over 1,000m2; the building is occupied by public authorities or provides public services to a large number of persons; the building is frequently visited, at least weekly, by members of the general public; the public have a right of access to the building, or parts of the buildings providing services directly to the public, and public funding, including part funding, is used to operate, for general upkeep, or to fund staff costs. Examples include colleges, community centres, libraries, hospitals, benefit offices and crematoria. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226237,"EventID":"S3W-19626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints were received by the police from people under the age of 18 regarding adults challenging their behaviour.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints were received by the police from people under the age of 18 regarding adults challenging their behaviour.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of complaints received by the police is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226238,"EventID":"S3W-19627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to assist local community organisations affected by cuts in Fairer Scotland Fund grants.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to assist local community organisations affected by cuts in Fairer Scotland Fund grants.","AnswerText":"The Fairer Scotland Fund (FSF) assists community planning partnerships (CPPs) in tackling issues related to poverty and disadvantage in the most locally appropriate way. Investment of the FSF is a matter for each CPP. It is for local partners to decide which activities will be the most effective in supporting the achievement of prioritised outcomes and to manage relationships with organisations seeking FSF resources. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226239,"EventID":"S3W-19628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many individuals were successfully prosecuted under section 74 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 in 2007-08, broken down by procurator fiscal area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many individuals were successfully prosecuted under section 74 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 in 2007-08, broken down by procurator fiscal area.","AnswerText":"The following table gives the number of persons with a charge in Scottish courts in 2006-07 (the latest year available) where a religious aggravator was recorded, broken down by approximate procurator fiscal area. Data for 2007-08 is still being processed and the data required is therefore not available at this time. The 2007-08 data is planned for release in April 2009. Persons with a Charge Proved for an Offence where a Religious Aggravator was Recorded by Approximate Procurator Fiscal Area1, 2006-07 | Procurator Fiscal Area | | | Grampian | 2 | | Highlands and Islands | 4 | | Tayside | 3 | | Fife | 2 | | Central | 8 | | Lothian and Borders | 16 | | Argyll and Clyde | 20 | | Glasgow | 156 | | Lanarkshire | 40 | | Ayrshire | 17 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 7 | | Not Known | 1 | | Scotland | 276 | Note: 1. Based on a mapping of sheriff and district courts into procurator fiscal areas. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226240,"EventID":"S3W-19629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) registered address, (b) office address and (c) mailing address is of the Scottish Futures Trust.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) registered address, (b) office address and (c) mailing address is of the Scottish Futures Trust.","AnswerText":"The details for (a) are held on the Companies House website which can be found at the following link www.companieshouse.gov.uk. The details for both (b) and (c) are, 1 St Colme Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6AA. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226241,"EventID":"S3W-19630","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) approved staff complement and (b) current staffing level is of the Scottish Futures Trust.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) approved staff complement and (b) current staffing level is of the Scottish Futures Trust.","AnswerText":"Decisions on staffing are a matter for the SFT Board. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226242,"EventID":"S3W-19631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to report to the Parliament on the progress of the Scottish Futures Trust.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to report to the Parliament on the progress of the Scottish Futures Trust.","AnswerText":"I have stated that I would keep Parliament informed about the progress of the Scottish Futures Trust. I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19803 on 23 January 2009, when I announced the appointment of the two remaining non-executive directors to the board of the Scottish Futures Trust. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226243,"EventID":"S3W-19632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has with regard to any funding applications made by Scottish local authorities, or connected bodies, to the Public Works Loan Board since May 2007 and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has with regard to any funding applications made by Scottish local authorities, or connected bodies, to the Public Works Loan Board since May 2007 and the outcome of any such applications.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226244,"EventID":"S3W-19633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware what interest rates are available to Scottish local authorities, or connected bodies, from the Public Works Loans Board on loans for capital or other ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware what interest rates are available to Scottish local authorities, or connected bodies, from the Public Works Loans Board on loans for capital or other projects and how this compares with rates from other funding sources.","AnswerText":"The interest rates available to local authorities and other prescribed bodies from the Public Works Loans Body (PWLB) are published daily on their website, which can be found at: http://www.dmo.gov.uk/index.aspx?page=PWLB/PWLB_Interest_Rates. The comparison of PWLB rates with those available from other funding sources is a function of treasury management which is the responsibility of individual local authorities or other bodies. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226245,"EventID":"S3W-19634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been any discussion with the Public Works Loans Board regarding funding for the Forth Replacement Crossing and, if so, what the response has been.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been any discussion with the Public Works Loans Board regarding funding for the Forth Replacement Crossing and, if so, what the response has been.","AnswerText":"No. The option of funding through local authorities had been considered by the Scottish Government and rejected in part because it would considerably restrict councils'' ability to borrow for their own purposes. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226246,"EventID":"S3W-19635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the Scottish Futures Trust to publish its infrastructure investment plan.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the Scottish Futures Trust to publish its infrastructure investment plan.","AnswerText":"The SFT Chair, Sir Angus Grossart and staff working within SFT are actively engaged in meeting public bodies and the private sector to explain further their aims, including how SFT can assist in delivering increased value from the £35 billion of infrastructure investment set out in the Scottish Government''s Infrastructure Investment Plan (IIP) published in March 2008. The SFT will work to improve the prospects for efficient and timely delivery of projects across the scope of the IIP. The SFT will produce a business plan in the spring of this year. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226247,"EventID":"S3W-19636","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the Scottish Futures Trust to publish details of the planned community hubs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the Scottish Futures Trust to publish details of the planned community hubs.","AnswerText":"As already announced, the early focus of hub development and resources is on two pathfinder areas in the south-east and the north of Scotland. Each pathfinder is receiving expert advisory and structural support from the SFT and the Scottish Government is providing financial backing of about £1.4 million for each pathfinder during the development stages and an additional £30 million of capital provision to fund hub facilities throughout Scotland. The pathfinders will seek private sector development partners through a procurement process during 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226248,"EventID":"S3W-19637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to recommendation two in the First Annual Report of the Council of Economic Advisers: December 2008 in relation to skills.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to recommendation two in the First Annual Report of the Council of Economic Advisers: December 2008 in relation to skills.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government accepts this recommendation. The Scottish Government welcomes the Council''s endorsement of the approach taken in the Government Economic Strategy of giving particular attention to key sectors with high growth potential and the capacity to boost productivity. Scottish Enterprise takes a lead role in promoting key sectors and works through a number of Industry Advisory Groups helping to channel the views of industry experts to the Scottish Government. The Scottish Government welcomes the fact that the Council will be reviewing each of the key sectors at future Council meetings and looks forward to hearing the Council''s views on how government policy can be developed further to enhance the growth of Scotland''s key sectors. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226249,"EventID":"S3W-19638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to recommendation six in the First Annual Report of the Council of Economic Advisers: December 2008 on energy options.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to recommendation six in the First Annual Report of the Council of Economic Advisers: December 2008 on energy options.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government accepts this recommendation. The Scottish Government is commissioning this study. We will also provide a paper setting out the government''s current energy policy for the council to consider. The results of the study and the paper will be considered by the council during 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226250,"EventID":"S3W-19639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to recommendation nine in the First Annual Report of the Council of Economic Advisers: December 2008 regarding the resolution of tensions between UK ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to recommendation nine in the First Annual Report of the Council of Economic Advisers: December 2008 regarding the resolution of tensions between UK and Scottish policy responsibilities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government accepts the recommendation. The Scottish Government is working with the UK Government Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to improve the integration of Jobcentre Plus services and those provided by Skills Development Scotland. This includes better alignment of careers advice and training provision that should lead to increased participation in the labour market. This devolution of welfare benefits is one of the key topics being raised under the National Conversation. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226251,"EventID":"S3W-19640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will seek a parliamentary debate on the First Annual Report of the Council of Economic Advisers: December 2008.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will seek a parliamentary debate on the First Annual Report of the Council of Economic Advisers: December 2008.","AnswerText":"A debate on the Scottish Government''s Response to the First Annual Report of the Council of Economic Advisers will be held on Thursday 22 January. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226252,"EventID":"S3W-19641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on preliminary work on the Forth Replacement Crossing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on preliminary work on the Forth Replacement Crossing.","AnswerText":"Since December 2007, when I announced to Parliament the decision to proceed with a replacement bridge, approximately £16 million has been spent on preliminary works. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226253,"EventID":"S3W-19642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its estimate is of savings in the Scottish budget as a result of reductions in the official Bank Rate in 2008-09.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its estimate is of savings in the Scottish budget as a result of reductions in the official Bank Rate in 2008-09.","AnswerText":"There are no savings because the Scottish Government does not have powers to borrow, and there is therefore no budget line devoted to debt repayment. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226254,"EventID":"S3W-19643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications have been (a) made and (b) granted under the Scotland Rural Development Plan invasive non-native species option in (i) Argyll and Bute and (ii) the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications have been (a) made and (b) granted under the Scotland Rural Development Plan invasive non-native species option in (i) Argyll and Bute and (ii) the rest of Scotland in each year since this option has existed.","AnswerText":"The Control of Non-Native Species Option appears under Rural Priorities, one of the eight delivery mechanisms of the Scotland Rural Development Programme. In the first nine months of applications, four applications have been received that include the Control of Non-Native Species Option and all four of these have been approved. All those applications were within 2008. None of the applications or approvals originated from Argyll. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226255,"EventID":"S3W-19644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the items in the draft 2009-10 budget that are non-discretionary, the value of each and what percentage of the total budget these represent.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the items in the draft 2009-10 budget that are non-discretionary, the value of each and what percentage of the total budget these represent.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers have full discretion over the spending priorities of the Scottish Departmental Expenditure Limit (DEL) budgets as agreed with HM Treasury and detailed in Paragraph 2.7(1) of Funding the Scottish Parliament, National Assembly for Wales and Northern Ireland Assembly: Statement of Funding Policy. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226256,"EventID":"S3W-19645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many eight to 12-year-olds have been referred to the children’s hearing system on offence grounds in each local authority area in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many eight to 12-year-olds have been referred to the children’s hearing system on offence grounds in each local authority area in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The following Table provides the information requested. Number of Children Referred on Offence Grounds Aged Eight to 12 Years (Inclusive) at Receipt of the Report | | 2007-08 | 2006-07 | 2005-06 | | Scotland | 2,861 | 3,365 | 3,624 | | Aberdeen City | 93 | 114 | 115 | | Aberdeenshire | 99 | 86 | 68 | | Angus | 51 | 49 | 69 | | Argyll and Bute | 37 | 45 | 73 | | Clackmannanshire | 61 | 73 | 68 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 92 | 96 | 134 | | Dundee | 79 | 149 | 218 | | East Ayrshire | 78 | 100 | 125 | | East Dunbartonshire | 28 | 20 | 13 | | East Lothian | 23 | 23 | 15 | | East Renfrewshire | 16 | 23 | 21 | | Edinburgh, City of | 137 | 165 | 181 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226258,"EventID":"S3W-19647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether conditions are attached to the capital city supplement in relation to what it can be spent on and, if so, what they are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether conditions are attached to the capital city supplement in relation to what it can be spent on and, if so, what they are.","AnswerText":"Subject to approval of the Parliament to the Scottish Government''s Budget Bill and the Local Government Finance Order for 2009-10, the additional funding for the capital city supplement will be included within the general revenue grant provided to the City of Edinburgh Council and will therefore be subject to the same conditions as apply to that general revenue grant. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226259,"EventID":"S3W-19648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the capital city supplement to the City of Edinburgh Council is intended to contribute to the council’s costs in relation to festivals and events.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the capital city supplement to the City of Edinburgh Council is intended to contribute to the council’s costs in relation to festivals and events.","AnswerText":"How the City of Edinburgh Council allocates the additional funding to be provided is a matter for the council. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226260,"EventID":"S3W-19649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the capital city supplement to the City of Edinburgh Council is intended to contribute to the council’s costs in relation to its World Heritage Site status.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the capital city supplement to the City of Edinburgh Council is intended to contribute to the council’s costs in relation to its World Heritage Site status.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19648 on 15 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226261,"EventID":"S3W-19650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the capital city supplement to the City of Edinburgh Council is intended to contribute to the council’s costs in relation to migration.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the capital city supplement to the City of Edinburgh Council is intended to contribute to the council’s costs in relation to migration.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19648 on 15 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226262,"EventID":"S3W-19651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the capital city supplement to the City of Edinburgh Council is intended to contribute to the council’s costs in relation to national sports and recreation fa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the capital city supplement to the City of Edinburgh Council is intended to contribute to the council’s costs in relation to national sports and recreation facilities.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19648 on 15 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226263,"EventID":"S3W-19652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the capital city supplement to the City of Edinburgh Council is intended to contribute to the council’s costs in relation to affordable housing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the capital city supplement to the City of Edinburgh Council is intended to contribute to the council’s costs in relation to affordable housing.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19648 on 15 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226264,"EventID":"S3W-19653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the capital city supplement to the City of Edinburgh Council is intended to contribute to the council’s costs in relation to investment in the public realm.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the capital city supplement to the City of Edinburgh Council is intended to contribute to the council’s costs in relation to investment in the public realm.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19648 on 15 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226265,"EventID":"S3W-19654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the capital city supplement to the City of Edinburgh Council is intended to contribute to the council’s costs in relation to investment in connectivity.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the capital city supplement to the City of Edinburgh Council is intended to contribute to the council’s costs in relation to investment in connectivity.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19648 on 15 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226266,"EventID":"S3W-19655","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the capital city supplement to the City of Edinburgh Council is intended to contribute to the council’s costs in relation to investment in infrastructure.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the capital city supplement to the City of Edinburgh Council is intended to contribute to the council’s costs in relation to investment in infrastructure.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19648 on 15 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226267,"EventID":"S3W-19656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether other city councils have been given the opportunity to submit business cases for supplementary funding to meet additional costs, similar to the capital city suppl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether other city councils have been given the opportunity to submit business cases for supplementary funding to meet additional costs, similar to the capital city supplement awarded to the City of Edinburgh Council.","AnswerText":"The additional capital city supplement funding provided to the City of Edinburgh Council is in recognition of factors that are unique to Edinburgh as Scotland''s capital city. No other city council is eligible for this type of additional funding. Other city councils may receive additional support from time to time in recognition of exceptional or special circumstances. For example, Aberdeen City Council was given initial consent by the Scottish Government in December 2008 to borrow £11.7 million to enable it to meet certain revenue costs. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226268,"EventID":"S3W-19657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps other city councils would be required to take in order to access supplementary funding to meet additional costs, similar to the capital city supplement awarded","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps other city councils would be required to take in order to access supplementary funding to meet additional costs, similar to the capital city supplement awarded to the City of Edinburgh Council.","AnswerText":"Other councils may receive additional support from time to time in recognition of exceptional or special circumstances. For example, Aberdeen City Council was given initial consent by the Scottish Government in December 2008 to borrow £11.7 million to enable it to meet certain revenue costs. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226269,"EventID":"S3W-19658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which parts of the City of Edinburgh Council’s business case for additional funding as part of the capital city supplement were rejected and what the reasons were in each","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which parts of the City of Edinburgh Council’s business case for additional funding as part of the capital city supplement were rejected and what the reasons were in each case.","AnswerText":"Capital city supplement was not awarded for those elements of the City of Edinburgh Council''s application that were not considered to be unique to Edinburgh as Scotland''s capital city. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226270,"EventID":"S3W-19659","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dentistry students at the University of Dundee have (a) applied for and (b) received a dental bursary in 2008-09, broken down by year of study and also expressed","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dentistry students at the University of Dundee have (a) applied for and (b) received a dental bursary in 2008-09, broken down by year of study and also expressed as a percentage of the total number of undergraduate students in each year.","AnswerText":"The information requested is shown in the following table. | Course Year | Number of Applicants in Receipt of Bursary | % Uptake of Bursary | | 2 | 41 | 62 | | 3 | 55 | 81 | | 4 | 76 | 84 | | 5 | 40 | 59 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226271,"EventID":"S3W-19660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on dental bursaries for dental students at the University of Dundee in (a) each financial year since the introduction of the scheme and (b) 2008-0","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on dental bursaries for dental students at the University of Dundee in (a) each financial year since the introduction of the scheme and (b) 2008-09.","AnswerText":"The information requested is shown in the following table. | Financial Year | Amount of Bursary Paid | | 2006-07 | 856,000 | | 2007-08 | 888,000 | | 2008-09 (to date) | 864,000 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226272,"EventID":"S3W-19661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional European Social Fund money it calculates it has become entitled to since August 2008.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional European Social Fund money it calculates it has become entitled to since August 2008.","AnswerText":"Scotland was allocated ‚¬269.9 million for the Lowlands and Uplands Scotland European Social Fund (ESF) 2007 - 2013 programme, and ‚¬52.2 million for the Highlands and Islands ESF programme. The value of these programmes in sterling using the monthly European Commission conversion rate at August 2008 and at January 2009 is as follows: August 2008 Lowlands and Uplands Scotland ESF programme value was £212,346,805 January 2009 Lowlands and Uplands Scotland ESF programme value is £262,956,982 August 2008 Highlands and Islands ESF programme value was £41,026,558 January 2009 Highlands and Islands ESF programme value was £50,804,720. The increase in the sterling value of the two ESF programmes from August 2008 to January 2009 is £60,388,339. The increase in the sterling value of the two ESF programmes from August 2008 to January 2009 is £60,388,339. The government will use all of the available funding to help people in Scotland facing the need for additional help with employability and skills training due to the current serious economic situation. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226273,"EventID":"S3W-19662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much European Social Fund money has been received since May 2007 and how it has been allocated, broken down by date, project and local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much European Social Fund money has been received since May 2007 and how it has been allocated, broken down by date, project and local authority area.","AnswerText":"During this period the following 2000-06 ESF programmes were running: the Highlands and Islands Objective 1 programme for which the Scottish Government was allocated ‚¬62.3 million; the Objective 2 (West of Scotland) ESF programme for which the Scottish Government was allocated ‚¬66.9 million, and the Objective 3 ESF programme for which the Scottish Government was allocated ‚¬520.5 million. In addition, for part of the period, the following 2007-13 ESF programmes were running: the Highlands and Islands ESF programme for which the Scottish Government was allocated ‚¬52.2 million, and the Lowlands and Uplands ESF programme for which the Scottish Government was allocated ‚¬269.9 million. Between 1 May 2007 and 12 Jan 2009 European Social Fund payments totalling £78,376,067 have been made to 287 organisations running 1,414 projects receiving ESF grant assistance across the whole of Scotland. It is not possible to break down the payments made to organisations by local authority area of the final beneficiary. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226274,"EventID":"S3W-19663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce how any additional European Social Fund money received will be used.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce how any additional European Social Fund money received will be used.","AnswerText":"One hundred and fifty-two applications for ESF grants towards individual projects are currently being considered under the current round of the 2007-13 programmes. Announcements on which of these projects will be offered ESF funding will be made following the meetings of the respective Programme Monitoring Committees in spring 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226275,"EventID":"S3W-19664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to use additional European Social Fund money to supplement skills and training programmes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to use additional European Social Fund money to supplement skills and training programmes.","AnswerText":"In Scotland, Priority 2 of the Highlands and Islands European Social Fund (ESF) programme 2007 to 2013, and Priority 2 of the Lowlands and Uplands Scotland ESF 2007 to 2013 programme are both aimed at improving the skills of the workforce, increasing productivity, adaptability, inclusion and entrepreneurial expertise. To date, 46 individual skills and training projects have been approved across Scotland, and applications for funding a further 36 such projects are currently being considered. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226276,"EventID":"S3W-19665","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of motorists caught drug driving represents (a) repeat and (b) first-time offenders in each local authority area in the Lothians in the most recent year f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of motorists caught drug driving represents (a) repeat and (b) first-time offenders in each local authority area in the Lothians in the most recent year for which information is available.","AnswerText":"Figures for driving convictions involving drugs alone are not available. For data on drink/drug driving offences I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19666 on 22 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226277,"EventID":"S3W-19666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of motorists caught drink driving represents (a) repeat and (b) first-time offenders in each local authority area in the Lothians in the most recent year ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of motorists caught drink driving represents (a) repeat and (b) first-time offenders in each local authority area in the Lothians in the most recent year for which information is available.","AnswerText":"Figures for drink driving convictions alone are not available. The following table provides information relating to drink or drug driving convictions. Persons1 with a Charge Proved during 2006-07 for Drink/Drug Driving Related Offences2: Breakdown by Approximate Local Authority Area3 and whether or not First-Time Offenders4 | Local Authority Area | Number of all Offenders | Percentage First-Time Offenders4 | Percentage Repeat Offenders4 | | East Lothian | 103 | 88 | 12 | | Edinburgh, City of | 671 | 91 | 9 | | West Lothian | 241 | 92 | 8 | | Lothians | 1,015 | 91 | 9 | Notes: 1. Each person who was convicted of such an offence in 2006-07 is counted only once. 2. Where main offence. 3. Incorporates an approximate mapping of sheriff courts into local authority areas. Some sheriff courts will deal with cases from more than one local authority area. Midlothian does not contain a sheriff court. 4. First-time offenders relates to those individuals who were sentenced on one occasion for an offence of this type in 2006-07 and had no other convictions for an offence of this type in the last 10 years (1997-98 to 2006-07). Repeat offenders contains everyone whose most recent conviction in 2006-07 was not the only one of this type they had committed in the last 10 years. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226278,"EventID":"S3W-19667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":66,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hospital beds were available in each of the last 15 years for which figures are available, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hospital beds were available in each of the last 15 years for which figures are available, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The numbers of available staffed hospital beds in Scottish NHS hospitals are shown in the following table. Average Available Staffed Beds1 by NHS Board Area2; Financial Years Ending 31 March 1994-2008 | | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | | Scotland | 45,263 | 43,587 | 41,790 | 39,668 | 37,998 | 36,376 | 34,696 | 33,160 | | Ayrshire and Arran | 2,692 | 2,575 | 2,408 | 2,259 | 2,234 | 2,163 | 2,147 | 2,149 | | Borders | ,845 | 822 | 807 | 781 | 754 | 734 | 688 | 654 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 1,287 | 1,226 | 1,183 | 1,105 | 1,076 | 1,104 | 980 | 835 | | Fife | 2,577 | 2,455 | 2,322 | 2,228 | 2,097 | 2,029 | 1,979 | 1,914 ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226279,"EventID":"S3W-19668","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will reconsider its plans to build an overtaking lane rather than a dual carriageway on the A9 at Carrbridge and at Moy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will reconsider its plans to build an overtaking lane rather than a dual carriageway on the A9 at Carrbridge and at Moy.","AnswerText":"No; this section of the A9 is in urgent need of major maintenance investment and we are taking the opportunity to provide an enhanced standard. The Strategic Transport Projects Review has identified dualling of the A9 as a strategic transport priority for Scotland. Our investment hierarchy is to maintain and safely operate our existing networks, make best use of these networks and finally, invest in targeted infrastructure improvements. ","AnswerDate":"2009-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226280,"EventID":"S3W-19669","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18811 by Liam McArthur on 8 January 2009, which recommendations in A review of the European Union Agricultural Subsidy Appeals Proc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18811 by Liam McArthur on 8 January 2009, which recommendations in A review of the European Union Agricultural Subsidy Appeals Procedure in Scotland it has not accepted and what the reasons were.","AnswerText":"I accepted 16 of the 17 recommendations contained in the Report, A review of the European Union Agricultural Subsidy Appeals Procedure in Scotland. The one recommendation I was not persuaded by was the creation of a farm liaison team made up of government and industry representatives. I accepted the principle behind the recommendation but rather than incur additional expense by setting up a new team I have agreed that the current procedures for assisting farmers should be enhanced. I shall put a number of measures in place, including increased attendance by officials at local shows, to help the agricultural community deal with the potential difficulties they face. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226281,"EventID":"S3W-19670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce legislation to deal with problems caused by garden fires.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce legislation to deal with problems caused by garden fires.","AnswerText":"No. I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-3243 on 5 September 2007. There is existing legislation allowing local authorities and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency within the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2005 respectively to take action against those causing a nuisance through garden bonfires. Although the Scottish Government are commencing new Statutory Nuisance provisions on 26 January 2009, which includes future proofing powers and Fixed Penalty Notice powers, we have not included additional controls on bonfires as there is existing legislative controls available. A local authority could also implement a by-law if there were persistent problems caused by this issue in their area. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226282,"EventID":"S3W-19671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1820,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":12,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Strathclyde Partnership for Transport has spent on public affairs and public relations over the last two years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Strathclyde Partnership for Transport has spent on public affairs and public relations over the last two years.","AnswerText":"The figures are as follows: Public Affairs 2006-07 - £146,169 2007-08 - £124,495. Public Relations 2006-07 - £43,061 2007-08 - £69,280. All figures include internal staff salaries costs. Source: Strathclyde Partnership for Transport. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226283,"EventID":"S3W-19672","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prison sentences of six months or less have been imposed in each police force area in the last year, broken down by type of offence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prison sentences of six months or less have been imposed in each police force area in the last year, broken down by type of offence.","AnswerText":"The latest available information is given in the following tables: Persons Receiving a Custodial Sentence in Scottish Courts of Six Months or Less by Main Crime and Police Force Area1, 2006-07 | Main Crime or Offence | Northern | Grampian | Tayside | Fife | | All crimes and offences | 710 | 1,021 | 1,864 | 804 | | All crimes | 349 | 646 | 1,247 | 490 | | Non-sexual crimes of violence | 10 | 14 | 28 | 9 | | Serious assault and attempted murder | 8 | 7 | 8 | 3 | | Robbery | 1 | 6 | 12 | 5 | | Other | 1 | 1 | 8 | 1 | | Crimes of indecency | 5 | 2 | 4 | - | | Indecent assault | - | - | 2 | - | | Lewd & indecent behaviour | 4 ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226284,"EventID":"S3W-19673","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people served non-custodial sentences for handling an offensive weapon in (a) 2006-07 and (b) 2007-08, broken down by type of disposal and police force area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people served non-custodial sentences for handling an offensive weapon in (a) 2006-07 and (b) 2007-08, broken down by type of disposal and police force area.","AnswerText":"2007-08 court proceedings data is planned for release in April 2009. Data for the latest year available (2006-07) is given in the following table. Persons with a Charge Proved in Scottish Courts for Handling an Offensive Weapon1 who did not Receive a Custodial Sentence, by Police Force Area, 2006-07 | Police Force Area | Total Non-Custodial | Community Sentence | Monetary | Other | | Central | 81 | 27 | 41 | 13 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 55 | 28 | 24 | 3 | | Fife | 74 | 31 | 37 | 6 | | Grampian | 120 | 28 | 68 | 24 | | Lothian and Borders | 306 | 125 | 145 | 36 | | Northern | 78 | 19 | 51 | 8 | | Strathclyde | 1,633 | 755 | 600 | 278 | | Tayside | 143 | 75 | 50 | 18 | | Scotland | 2,490 | 1,088 | 1,016 | 386 | Note: 1. Where main offence. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226285,"EventID":"S3W-19674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of people convicted for handling an offensive weapon served a non-custodial sentence in (a) 2006-07 and (b) 2007-08, broken down by type of disposal and p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of people convicted for handling an offensive weapon served a non-custodial sentence in (a) 2006-07 and (b) 2007-08, broken down by type of disposal and police force area.","AnswerText":"2007-08 court proceedings data is planned for release in April 2009. Data for the latest year available (2006-07) is given in the following table. Percentage of Persons Receiving Non-Custodial Sentences for Handling Offensive Weapons1 by Police Force Area, 2006-07 | Police Force Area | All Persons with a Charge Proved (Number) | Percentage of all Persons with a Charge Proved who Received Non-Custodial Sentences | | All Non-Custodial | Community Sentence | Monetary | Other | | Central | 105 | 77 | 26 | 39 | 12 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 73 | 75 | 38 | 33 | 4 | | Fife | 102 | 73 | 30 | 36 | 6 | | Grampian | 155 | 77 | 18 | 44 | 15 | | Lothian and Borders | 411 | 74 | 30 | 35 | 9 | | Northern | 98 | 80 | 19 | 52 | 8 | | Strathclyde | 2,392 | Mean Number of Days Served for Handling Offensive Weapons | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | | 63 | 68 | 79 | 101 | Source: Scottish Government Justice Analytical Services. This information is not held in a way which allows it to be broken down by police force area. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226287,"EventID":"S3W-19676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18495 by Kenny MacAskill on 12 December 2008, whether it considers that it would be useful to collect information on the number and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18495 by Kenny MacAskill on 12 December 2008, whether it considers that it would be useful to collect information on the number and type of offences carried out by people subject to bail orders.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government currently publishes information about offences committed by individuals on bail, although it is not currently possible to identify the type of original offence the bail order relates to. Data for the latest year available is contained in table 18 of the statistical bulletin Criminal Proceedings in Scottish Courts, 2006-07, which can be found on the Scottish Government website http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/06/02124526/0. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226288,"EventID":"S3W-19677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18495 by Kenny MacAskill on 12 December 2008, whether it intends to take action to ensure that information on the number and type o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18495 by Kenny MacAskill on 12 December 2008, whether it intends to take action to ensure that information on the number and type of offences carried out by people subject to bail orders will be made available.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will continue to assess the appropriateness of the statistics that we produce in this area and to work with data customers and suppliers to ensure that user needs are met without placing a disproportionate burden on suppliers. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226289,"EventID":"S3W-19678","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18495 by Kenny MacAskill on 12 December 2008, whether any police forces record information on the number and types of offences carr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18495 by Kenny MacAskill on 12 December 2008, whether any police forces record information on the number and types of offences carried out by people subject to bail orders.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for police forces. The information requested is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226290,"EventID":"S3W-19679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on administering community sentences in each local authority in the last year, broken down by type of disposal.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on administering community sentences in each local authority in the last year, broken down by type of disposal.","AnswerText":"Community Justice Authorities (CJAs) are responsible for the distribution of grant from the government for criminal justice social work services to the local authorities within their area. Information is not therefore held centrally on allocations to individual local authorities. The following table details the funding allocated to individual CJAs in financial year 2008-09 for the statutory community disposals: | Service | Fife and Forth Valley (£) | Glasgow (£) | Lanarkshire (£) | Lothian and Borders (£) | Northern (£) | | Community Service | 1,604,023 | 2,177,340 | 1,863,972 | 2,205,206 | 1,474,383 | | Probation | 1,584,188 | 1,958,638 | 1,421,578 | 1,447,352 | 1,282,486 | | Supervised Attendance Orders | 396,365 | 1,295,013 | 275,508 | 317,609 | 388,107 | | Drug Treatment & Testing Orders (DTTOs) | 871,134 | 350,733 | 594,500 | 2,145,098* | 676,459 | | Total | 4,455,710 | 5,781,724 | 4,155,558 | 6,115,265 | 3,821,435 | | Service | North Strathclyde (£) | South West Scotland (£) | Tayside (£) | Scotland (£) | | Community Service ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226291,"EventID":"S3W-19680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average cost per day is of administering a community service order.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average cost per day is of administering a community service order.","AnswerText":"The 12 months average cost of administering a community service order in the 2007-08 financial year was £2,184. The nature of the service and the fact that individual orders can vary significantly in duration means that it is not possible to give a realistic average daily cost. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226292,"EventID":"S3W-19681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average cost per day is of administering a probation order.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average cost per day is of administering a probation order.","AnswerText":"The 12 months average cost of administering a probation order in the 2007-08 financial year was £1,229. The nature of the service and the fact that the order can vary significantly in duration means that it is not possible to give a realistic average daily cost for administering a Probation Order. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226293,"EventID":"S3W-19682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average cost per day is of administering a supervised attendance order.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average cost per day is of administering a supervised attendance order.","AnswerText":"The 12 months average cost of administering a supervised attendance order in the 2007-08 financial year was £760. The nature of the service and the fact that an order can vary significantly in duration means that it is not possible to give a realistic average daily cost figure. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226294,"EventID":"S3W-19683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average cost per day is of administering a drug treatment and testing order.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average cost per day is of administering a drug treatment and testing order.","AnswerText":"The 12 months average cost of administering a drug treatment and testing order in the 2007-08 financial year was £12,205. The nature of the service and the fact that the order can vary significantly in duration means that it is not possible to provide a realistic average daily cost. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226295,"EventID":"S3W-19684","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether additional (a) financial or (b) professional support will be given to people with asthma by NHS Lanarkshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether additional (a) financial or (b) professional support will be given to people with asthma by NHS Lanarkshire.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for NHS Lanarkshire. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226296,"EventID":"S3W-19685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the report from Asthma UK Scotland commissioned by NHS Quality Improvement Scotland, In their Own Words, Asthma services in Scotland from the perspective of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the report from Asthma UK Scotland commissioned by NHS Quality Improvement Scotland, In their Own Words, Asthma services in Scotland from the perspective of children and young people, whether further training will be provided to non-healthcare professionals regarding the monitoring and treatment of children or young people with asthma.","AnswerText":"Training for non-healthcare professionals is a local issue and should be provided through continuing professional development. The Scottish Government issued guidance on the Administration of Medicines in Schools in 2001. The guidance emphasises that it is for NHS boards to ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place with education authorities but is also clear that it is essential that NHS boards and education authorities work together to ensure that appropriate arrangements are put in place in relation to the administration of medicines in schools. The guidance recommends that staff in schools who are involved in the health care of children receive appropriate training. In addition, the Health and Wellbeing in Schools project started in September last year there are four demonstration sites, each of which is at a different stage of implementation. The aim of the project is to increase healthcare capacity in schools. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226297,"EventID":"S3W-19686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its expenditure was on medical research in the field of asthma and respiratory conditions over the last five years and how this compares with the UK Government’s exp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its expenditure was on medical research in the field of asthma and respiratory conditions over the last five years and how this compares with the UK Government’s expenditure for the same period.","AnswerText":"The Chief Scientist Office (CSO), of the Scottish Government''s Health Directorates, has responsibility for encouraging and supporting research into health and health care needs in Scotland. One of the main agencies through which the UK Government funds medical and clinical research is the Medical Research Council (MRC). Expenditure figures on asthma research are as follows: | | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | | CSO | £0.15 million | £0.17 million | £0.20 million | £0.15 million | £0.19 million | | MRC | £2.80 million | £2.60 million | £2.40 million | £3.30 million | £4.50 million | | Total | £2.95 million | £2.77 million | £2.60 million | £3.45 million | £4.69 million | Expenditure figures on respiratory disorders research including asthma are as follows: | | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | | CSO | £0.27 million | £0.39 million | £0.36 million | £0.49 million | £0.56 million | | MRC | £12.10 million | £10.30 million | £15.10 million | £23.30 million | £27.00 million | | Total | £12.37 million | £10.69 million | £15.46 million | £23.79 million | £27.56 million | The figures for the MRC (which has a UK-wide remit) will include expenditure on research projects carried out in Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226298,"EventID":"S3W-19687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to questions S3O-5063 and S3W-18359 by Nicola Sturgeon on 4 and 8 December 2008 respectively, whether it will set out the timeline by which informa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to questions S3O-5063 and S3W-18359 by Nicola Sturgeon on 4 and 8 December 2008 respectively, whether it will set out the timeline by which information on healthcare associated infection (HAI) will be made available to the public in a form broken down by individual hospital and with a commentary to assist understanding of variations in the HAI rate.","AnswerText":"NHS boards are required to make their Healthcare Associated Infection Report available to the public for all bi-monthly NHS board meetings taking place from January 2009. These will be published on individual NHS board websites and will provide the public with information including supporting text on infection rates by hospital and specialty in all the respective NHS board area. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226299,"EventID":"S3W-19688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of (a) recent publications suggesting ribotype 027 may not be more toxic that other ribotypes, (b) the likelihood of ribotype 078 emerging and (c) a need to hav","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of (a) recent publications suggesting ribotype 027 may not be more toxic that other ribotypes, (b) the likelihood of ribotype 078 emerging and (c) a need to have a national and regional picture of ribotypes and antibiotic resistance, when it intends to amend the guidance of November 2007 with regard to what isolates of Clostridium difficile should be typed.","AnswerText":"Health Protection Scotland (HPS) issued revised guidance to diagnostic laboratories in November 2008 which requires labs to provide a proportionate number of isolates of all Clostridium difficile cases received in addition to those submitted for routine typing. This exercise began on 5 January 2009 and will allow Health Protection Scotland to build a picture of ribotype distribution and antibiotic resistance in Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226300,"EventID":"S3W-19689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18262 by Kenny MacAskill on 8 December 2008, whether medical information obtained (a) on admission, (b) from any health screening u","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18262 by Kenny MacAskill on 8 December 2008, whether medical information obtained (a) on admission, (b) from any health screening undertaken, (c) from any health education or improvement programme and (d) from any attendance at a medical or nursing centre or any specific physical, mental or dental service is conveyed to the prisoner’s general medical or dental practitioner on release.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows: Any significant medical information recorded in the prisoner''s Health Care Record which was obtained either on admission, from any health screening undertaken, from any health education or improvement programme, or from any attendance at a medical or nursing centre or any specific physical or mental service will be considered for inclusion in the prisoner''s discharge summary upon release. There is currently no arrangement in place to convey any dental information to a prisoner''s community dental practitioner upon release. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226301,"EventID":"S3W-19690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of findings from the University of Stirling published in the British Journal of Psychiatry in January 2009, indicating that 13.8% of children self-harmed and a ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of findings from the University of Stirling published in the British Journal of Psychiatry in January 2009, indicating that 13.8% of children self-harmed and a further 14.4% thought seriously about self-harm, what steps it has taken or will take to improve emotional literacy in schools.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is supporting the development of emotional literacy in schools through legislation, curriculum development and specific projects. The Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act 2007 (the Act) imposes duties on the Scottish ministers, education authorities and managers of grant-aided schools to endeavour to ensure that public schools and grant-aided schools are health promoting. A health promoting school promotes the social, mental and emotional wellbeing of pupils in attendance at the school. The new health and wellbeing curriculum area within Curriculum for Excellence aims to develop the knowledge and understanding, skills, capabilities and attributes necessary for mental and emotional wellbeing now and in the future. Curriculum for Excellence draft experiences and outcomes for health and wellbeing, taken together with the Health Promotion guidance which accompanies the Act, provide opportunities for schools to enhance the mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing of learners through lessons, extra curricular activities and by fostering a safe, caring, supportive, purposeful learning environment. We also continue to fund a Development Officer post at Learning Teaching Scotland, which focuses on positive mental health and support for those experiencing mental health problems in the schools environment throughout Scotland. This complements action to support the Scottish Government commitment to ensure that mental health link workers are available to all schools. In addition, the Scottish Government''s Positive Behaviour Team supports local authorities and schools to introduce and embed approaches to positive behaviour based on improved relationships, engagement and motivation, and emotional well being, such as Being Cool in School and the Growing Confidence Project. The government has supported the FRIENDS programme which is a classroom based programme designed to promote children''s resilience. Stirling Council have established a training franchise for FRIENDS which is now available as a CPD opportunity for all school staff and partners across Scotland. The Scottish Government also supports a resilience building project in Falkirk. The aim of the project is to develop a model of promoting emotional wellbeing in schools that will inform local and national developments. The project focuses on the transition between primary and secondary schools. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Adam Ingram","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226302,"EventID":"S3W-19691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which programmes in the Choose Life or Breathing Space initiatives are designed to address the problems of self-harm in children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which programmes in the Choose Life or Breathing Space initiatives are designed to address the problems of self-harm in children.","AnswerText":"Neither Choose Life nor Breathing Space have a specific focus on self-harm or on children. The Scottish Government will set out in our forthcoming action plan Towards a Mentally Flourishing Scotland our proposals for tackling self-harm in Scotland. We hope to publish this action plan in spring this year. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226303,"EventID":"S3W-19692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of people offered a direct measure in each month since January 2007 had at the time of the offer (a) one or more previous convictions or (b) previously be","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of people offered a direct measure in each month since January 2007 had at the time of the offer (a) one or more previous convictions or (b) previously been offered a direct measure, broken down by police force area.","AnswerText":"Case records in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service''s case management database do not contain any electronically searchable information about previous offending history or other reported cases involving the same accused. As a result, it is not possible to extract aggregate information of the type requested. Procurators fiscal taking decisions in individual cases do, however, have access to all relevant information about the accused''s previous convictions and offending history. This information is contained within the text of the Standard Prosecution Report and the associated information from the Criminal History System. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank Mulholland","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226304,"EventID":"S3W-19693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":71,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-17221 by Kenny MacAskill on 5 November 2008, whether the search for a site for HM Prison Inverclyde includes the Renfrewshire Counc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-17221 by Kenny MacAskill on 5 November 2008, whether the search for a site for HM Prison Inverclyde includes the Renfrewshire Council area.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The Scottish Prison Service announced in October 2008 that it had commenced looking for a potential site for a new prison to replace HMP Greenock within or near to the Inverclyde area. SPS, in conjunction with Inverclyde Council, is currently seeking to identify potential sites within the Inverclyde area. Subject to the outcome of this exercise, consideration may need to be given in due course to potential sites near to the Inverclyde area. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226305,"EventID":"S3W-19694","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what basic child health reviews and health checks for every child up to the age of five entail.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what basic child health reviews and health checks for every child up to the age of five entail.","AnswerText":"Basic child health reviews and health checks are set out in the Health for All Children (Hall 4) Guidance. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2005/04/15161325/13390. The guidance recommends that all children should have contact with health professionals within the first 24 hours for a full physical health check; within the first 10 days of life for a blood spot test for particular illnesses and a general check to ensure there is no cause for concern; new-born hearing screening is offered to all babies within the first four weeks of life unless born prematurely or ill; at six to eight weeks for a full physical health and development check, including weight; at two, three and four months for immunisation and to check weight; at 12 months for immunisation; at 13 months for immunisation and to check weight; between the ages of three to five years for immunisation and to check weight; between four and five years for an eye sight test, usually at pre-school, and between the ages of four to six, usually in school year primary 1, for a full physical health check including height, weight and dental check. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226306,"EventID":"S3W-19695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether median earnings in Moray of £377.30, according to Scottish Economic Statistics 2008, include wages paid to RAF personnel at Kinloss and Lossiemouth.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether median earnings in Moray of £377.30, according to Scottish Economic Statistics 2008, include wages paid to RAF personnel at Kinloss and Lossiemouth.","AnswerText":"The earnings information produced in Scottish Economic Statistics 2008 are taken from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE). ASHE is the preferred source of earnings estimates and is produced by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The main basis of estimates is a random sample of 0.8 per cent of United Kingdom employees. The Scottish Government does not hold information on who the specific employers are of people sampled within ASHE. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226307,"EventID":"S3W-19696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been provided to local authorities to help tackle flooding problems in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been provided to local authorities to help tackle flooding problems in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"The amount of flood prevention grant paid to each local authority in the last five years is shown on the following table: | Year | Council | Grant Paid | | 2003-04 | Aberdeen | 150,000.00 | | | Aberdeenshire | 33,100.83 | | | Argyll and Bute | 250,499.85 | | | East Ayrshire | 2,131,814.72 | | | East Dunbartonshire | 250,000.00 | | | Inverclyde | 15,501.53 | | | North Ayrshire | 321,907.77 | | | Perth and Kinross | 1,846,224.78 | | | Renfrewshire | 274,149.54 | | | West Lothian | 350,000.00 | | | Total | 5,623,199.02 | | 2004-05 | Aberdeen | 93,315.00 | | | Argyll and Bute | 854,498.80 | | | Dumfries and Galloway | 559,530.60 | | | East Ayrshire | 2,506,633.81 | | | East Dunbartonshire | 414,000.00 ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226308,"EventID":"S3W-19697","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has offered to local authorities regarding the issue of localised flooding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has offered to local authorities regarding the issue of localised flooding.","AnswerText":" The Scottish Government has published two chapters of Guidance for Local Authorities Taking Forward Flood Prevention Schemes Under the Flood Prevention (Scotland) Act 1961 and provides advice on other flooding issues to local authorities on request. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226309,"EventID":"S3W-19698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any meetings are scheduled with local authorities to discuss the issue of flooding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any meetings are scheduled with local authorities to discuss the issue of flooding.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government held a seminar in Stirling in December to update local authorities on the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Bill and, together with local authorities and others, are supporting a flood risk management conference in Glasgow in February. The Scottish Government is happy to meet any local authority at short notice to discuss flooding issues. For example, I met Scottish Borders Council on 11 September to discuss issues arising from the flooding event of the previous weekend. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226310,"EventID":"S3W-19699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria are used to assess patients’ eligibility for patient transport services in the NHS Highland area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria are used to assess patients’ eligibility for patient transport services in the NHS Highland area.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ambulance Service Patient Transport Service (PTS) provides transport for those patients with a medical need. The Scottish Ambulance Service strives to ensure that eligibility criteria are consistently applied across the whole of Scotland to ensure equity of access for patients to transport services. Patients eligible for PTS transport are those: (a) Where their medical condition is such that they require the skills or support of PTS staff on/after the journey and/or where it would be detrimental to the patients condition or recovery if they were to travel by other means. (b) Where the patients medical condition impacts on their mobility to such an extent that they would be unable to access health care and/or it would be detrimental to the patients condition or recovery to travel by other means. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226311,"EventID":"S3W-19700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review the consultation process that took place on National Planning Framework for Scotland 2: Discussion Draft.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review the consultation process that took place on National Planning Framework for Scotland 2: Discussion Draft.","AnswerText":"The consultation that has taken place has been within the context of the National Planning Framework Participation Statement, as required by the Planning Act and which is the first of its kind in Scotland. The government considers that it has conformed with its participation aims and objectives in the preparation of the framework and has learned some valuable lessons which can be used to inform the preparation of NPF3 and similar exercises of this nature. The government''s actions in seeking to fulfil its participation objectives in the preparation of the NPF2 can be found in the NPF2: Participation Statement Interim Conformity Report as posted on the Scottish Government''s NPF website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/planning/National-Planning-Policy/themes/npf/NPF-PS. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226312,"EventID":"S3W-19701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review National Planning Framework for Scotland 2: Discussion Draft to ensure that the National Standards for Community Engagement and participation objec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review National Planning Framework for Scotland 2: Discussion Draft to ensure that the National Standards for Community Engagement and participation objectives described in Preparation of the Second National Planning Framework: Participation Statement are achieved.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19700 on 26 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226313,"EventID":"S3W-19702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that National Planning Framework for Scotland 2: Discussion Draft promotes better and earlier public participation in the planning system as set out ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that National Planning Framework for Scotland 2: Discussion Draft promotes better and earlier public participation in the planning system as set out in Planning Advice Note PAN 81: Community Engagement - Planning with People.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government considers that it has encouraged interest and wide public participation in the preparation of the second National Planning Framework. I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19700 on 26 January 2009, which explains that further information regarding participation in the preparation of the National Planning Framework is set out in the NPF2: Participation Statement Interim Conformity Report which is available on the government''s NPF website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/planning/National-Planning-Policy/themes/npf/NPF-PS. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226314,"EventID":"S3W-19703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further consultation is carried out when pre-application consultations are deemed inadequate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further consultation is carried out when pre-application consultations are deemed inadequate.","AnswerText":"There are currently no statutory requirements for prospective developers to undertake pre-application consultation on development proposals. The government''s proposals for such consultation with communities are contained in the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 2008 which were laid in Parliament on 23 December 2008 and are currently subject to parliamentary scrutiny. Applications for planning permission are subject to the consultation arrangements set out in the Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) (Scotland) Order 1992. Applications may also be subject to additional consultation as set out in Directions issued by the Scottish ministers. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226315,"EventID":"S3W-19704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what subsequent consultation will be carried out on National Planning Framework for Scotland 2: Discussion Draft to ensure maximum community engagement as set out in Plan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what subsequent consultation will be carried out on National Planning Framework for Scotland 2: Discussion Draft to ensure maximum community engagement as set out in Planning Advice Note PAN 81: Community Engagement - Planning with People.","AnswerText":"The NPF2: Discussion Draft had a 12 week consultation which included a programme of regional discussion seminars and meetings with stakeholders. Following revisions to the framework, a Proposed NPF was laid before the Scottish Parliament which is currently being considered by the relevant committees. I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19700 on 26 January 2009, which explains that further information regarding participation in the preparation of the National Planning Framework is set out in the NPF2: Participation Statement Interim Conformity Report which is available on the government''s NPF website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/planning/National-Planning-Policy/themes/npf/NPF-PS. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226316,"EventID":"S3W-19705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what economic modelling work has been done on the projected impact of the Small Business Bonus Scheme on economic growth, growth of small businesses and employment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what economic modelling work has been done on the projected impact of the Small Business Bonus Scheme on economic growth, growth of small businesses and employment.","AnswerText":"The Small Business Bonus Scheme delivers a lower taxed more competitive business environment for small businesses. Analysis of empirical evidence to date indicates that measures such as the scheme support the growth of small businesses and facilitate their contribution to economic growth. We will be in a position fully to evaluate the impact of the scheme after it has been fully implemented in 2009-10. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226317,"EventID":"S3W-19706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projections it has made of the impact that the Small Business Bonus Scheme will have on jobs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projections it has made of the impact that the Small Business Bonus Scheme will have on jobs.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19705 on 21 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226318,"EventID":"S3W-19707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projections it has made of the impact that the Small Business Bonus Scheme will have on economic growth.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projections it has made of the impact that the Small Business Bonus Scheme will have on economic growth.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19705 on 21 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226319,"EventID":"S3W-19708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projections it has made of the impact that the Small Business Bonus Scheme will have on small business growth.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projections it has made of the impact that the Small Business Bonus Scheme will have on small business growth.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19705 on 21 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226320,"EventID":"S3W-19709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the Small Business Bonus Scheme has had on the growth of employment, small businesses and the economy since its introduction.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the Small Business Bonus Scheme has had on the growth of employment, small businesses and the economy since its introduction.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19705 on 21 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226321,"EventID":"S3W-19710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it measures the impact of the Small Business Bonus Scheme on the growth of employment, small businesses and the economy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it measures the impact of the Small Business Bonus Scheme on the growth of employment, small businesses and the economy.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19705 on 21 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226322,"EventID":"S3W-19711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the growth of employment in small businesses has been in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the growth of employment in small businesses has been in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"Data for the employment of enterprises operating in Scotland are published annually within the Scottish Government publication Scottish Corporate Sector Statistics. The figures are only available from 1998 and the latest data refers to the employment of all enterprises in Scotland as at March 2008. The following table shows the total employment of small enterprises (0 to 49 employees) in Scotland and the year-on-year growth rate from 1998 to 2008: | | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | | Employment | 749,950 | 726,860 | 730,140 | 735,260 | 741,820 | 745,460 | | % Growth | - | -3.1% | 0.5% | 0.7% | 0.9% | 0.5% | | | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | | | Employment | 759,500 | 745,870 | 745,850 | 771,850 | 780,100 | | | % Growth | 1.9% | -1.8% | 0.0% | 3.5% | 1.1% | | Source: Scottish Government, ONS (IDBR). Please note that these figures exclude central and local government employment. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226323,"EventID":"S3W-19712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the rate of growth in the number of small businesses has been in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the rate of growth in the number of small businesses has been in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"Data on the number of enterprises operating in Scotland are published annually within the Scottish Government publication Scottish Corporate Sector Statistics. The figures are only available from 1998 and the latest data refers to all enterprises in Scotland as at March 2008. The following table shows the number of small enterprises (0 to 49 employees) operating in Scotland and the year-on-year growth rate from 1998 to 2008: | | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | | No. of Enterprises | 232,165 | 226,510 | 230,865 | 237,555 | 246,300 | 256,855 | | % Growth | - | -2.4% | 1.9% | 2.9% | 3.7% | 4.3% | | | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | | | No. of Enterprises | 264,660 | 259,545 | 259,695 | 273,740 | 276,265 | | | % Growth | 3.0% | -1.9% | 0.1% | 5.4% | 0.9% | | Source: Scottish Government, ONS (IDBR). Please note that these figures exclude central and local government enterprises. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226324,"EventID":"S3W-19713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the rate of growth of the economy has been in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the rate of growth of the economy has been in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"This information can be derived from the Scottish Quarterly GDP publication which can be found on the Scottish Government website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/GDP. The growth rates for each complete calendar year since 1997 are: | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | | 2.8% | 1.9% | 1.9% | 2.8% | 2.2% | 0.8% | 2.0% | 2.6% | 1.5% | 2.6% | 1.8% | Note: Annual change in Gross Value Added (chained volume measure at basic prices) for Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226325,"EventID":"S3W-19714","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the start-up costs of the Small Business Bonus Scheme were; how they were calculated, and what the total cost of the scheme will be over the course of the current sp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the start-up costs of the Small Business Bonus Scheme were; how they were calculated, and what the total cost of the scheme will be over the course of the current spending review period.","AnswerText":"The projected cost of the Small Business Bonus Scheme in 2008-09, following its introduction in April 2008, is currently estimated at around £70 million. A final figure will not be available until later this year. The estimate was based on the number of eligible business properties and the expected take-up. The total cost of the scheme over the full spending review period will not be known until after the end of the period. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226326,"EventID":"S3W-19715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact of the Small Business Bonus Scheme has been on the cash-flow and trading position of small businesses since its introduction.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact of the Small Business Bonus Scheme has been on the cash-flow and trading position of small businesses since its introduction.","AnswerText":"The average cash benefit to business properties under the scheme is around £1,000 in 2008-09. The scheme is just one of a number of measures in the Scottish Government''s economic recovery programme which can improve cash flow to small businesses. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226327,"EventID":"S3W-19716","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projections it has made of the impact of the Small Business Bonus Scheme on the cash-flow and trading position of small businesses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projections it has made of the impact of the Small Business Bonus Scheme on the cash-flow and trading position of small businesses.","AnswerText":"We will be in a position to evaluate the impact of the scheme once it has been fully implemented in 2009-10. The impact of the scheme will also be measured by its contribution to meeting the strategic targets set out in the Government''s Economic Strategy. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226328,"EventID":"S3W-19717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has set for the growth of small businesses over the course of the current spending review period.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has set for the growth of small businesses over the course of the current spending review period.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government''s targets are for the whole economy of which small businesses form a very material part and that target is to converge on the UK growth rate by 2011. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226329,"EventID":"S3W-19718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has set for the growth of employment in small businesses over the course of the current spending review period.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has set for the growth of employment in small businesses over the course of the current spending review period.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government''s targets are for the whole economy of which small businesses form a very material part and that target is to converge on the UK growth rate by 2011. We do not have a specific target for jobs but continue to monitor labour participation rates. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226330,"EventID":"S3W-19719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has set for the contribution of small businesses to economic growth over the course of the current spending review period.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has set for the contribution of small businesses to economic growth over the course of the current spending review period.","AnswerText":"While no specific targets have been set for the contribution of small businesses to economic growth over the course of the current spending review, it is anticipated that their contribution to the government''s short-term and long-term growth targets will be realised through operation of a broader package of measures such as the Small Business Bonus Scheme which encourage increased productivity and competitiveness. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226331,"EventID":"S3W-19720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has set for economic growth over the course of the current spending review period and what progress has been made towards achieving those targets in each ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has set for economic growth over the course of the current spending review period and what progress has been made towards achieving those targets in each quarter since June 2007.","AnswerText":"The top priority of the Scottish Government is increasing sustainable economic growth. In achieving this priority we must address the long-term structural gap between GDP growth performance in Scotland, and both the UK, and the small independent EU countries. The Government Economic Strategy (GES) therefore established two ambitious economic (GDP) growth targets for Scotland. The long-term target is to match the GDP growth rate of the small independent EU countries by 2017. The intermediate target is to raise Scotland''s GDP growth rate to the UK level by 2011. In the following table annual growth rates to each quarter are presented for Scotland, the UK, and the small independent EU countries over the period 2007 Q3 to 2008 Q2. Table 1: Annual GDP growth rates, 2007 Q3 to 2008 Q2 | | Annual GDP Growth (4 Quarters on 4 Quarters) | | Scotland | United Kingdom | Small EU Countries | | 2007 Q3 | 2.0% | 3.0% | 3.4% | | 2007 Q4 | 1.8% | 3.0% | 3.2% | | 2008 Q1 | 1.9% | 2.8% | 2.5% | | 2008 Q2 | 1.8% | 2.5% | 2.0% | Source: Scottish Government, ONS, and OECD. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226332,"EventID":"S3W-19721","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made towards turning Scotland into a “Celtic lion” economy, described by the First Minister in a speech at Harvard University on 31 March 2008 as t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made towards turning Scotland into a “Celtic lion” economy, described by the First Minister in a speech at Harvard University on 31 March 2008 as the “defining mission” of the Scottish Government, and what contribution the Small Business Bonus Scheme will make in this area.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has defined its purpose as increasing sustainable economic growth. Progress is being made through implementation of the Government Economic Strategy, which set out seven targets to measure success in delivering the Purpose. The Small Business Bonus Scheme contributes to the purpose by removing or reducing business rates as part of our drive to create an environment in which small businesses can flourish, underpinned by a fair taxation system. By cutting overheads and enabling them to invest more, the scheme is helping to sustain tens of thousands of small businesses. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226333,"EventID":"S3W-19722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made towards achieving the First Minister’s commitment to “building an economy that is the envy of Europe”, as outlined in a speech at Harvard Univ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made towards achieving the First Minister’s commitment to “building an economy that is the envy of Europe”, as outlined in a speech at Harvard University on 31 March 2008, and what contribution the Small Business Bonus Scheme will make in this area. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has defined its purpose as increasing sustainable economic growth. Progress is being made through implementation of the Government Economic Strategy, which set out seven targets to measure success in delivering the purpose. The Small Business Bonus Scheme contributes to the purpose by removing or reducing business rates as part of our drive to create an environment in which small businesses can flourish, underpinned by a fair taxation system. By cutting overheads and enabling them to invest more, the scheme is helping to sustain tens of thousands of small businesses. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226334,"EventID":"S3W-19723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets have been set in relation to the First Minister’s commitment to “building an economy that is the envy of Europe” and to turning Scotland into a “Celtic lion”","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets have been set in relation to the First Minister’s commitment to “building an economy that is the envy of Europe” and to turning Scotland into a “Celtic lion” economy as outlined in a speech at Harvard University on 31 March 2008, and how success in this area will be measured.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has defined its purpose as increasing sustainable economic growth. The purpose lies at the heart of the economic aspirations for Scotland in the First Minister''s speech to Harvard University. A set of seven targets to measure success in delivering the purpose has been set out in the Government Economic Strategy. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226335,"EventID":"S3W-19727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it holds information on the expected output range of (a) oil and (b) gas from the Scottish jurisdiction sector of the North Sea in 2020.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it holds information on the expected output range of (a) oil and (b) gas from the Scottish jurisdiction sector of the North Sea in 2020.","AnswerText":"Information for the year 2020 is not currently available. However, the Scottish government published in 2008 a report which provided estimates of Scotland''s geographical share of oil and gas production, operating costs and tax revenue from 2000 to 2013. The report, produced by Aberdeen University, concluded that while overall production from the UK continental shelf is expected to fall by 2013, the Scottish share of production is expected to remain relatively constant in the case of oil and rise with regard to gas. Further information from the report can be found at the following location: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Economy/17858/ScotShareNorthSeaRevenue. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226336,"EventID":"S3W-19728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it holds information on the expected demand range of (a) oil and (b) gas from the Scottish jurisdiction sector of the North Sea in 2020.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it holds information on the expected demand range of (a) oil and (b) gas from the Scottish jurisdiction sector of the North Sea in 2020.","AnswerText":"Such information is currently not available. I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19727 on 21 January 2009, which refers to data on possible future levels of oil and gas supply from the Scottish sector of the UK continental shelf up to 2013. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226337,"EventID":"S3W-19729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on achieving the 29 recommendations contained in the review document, The Same as You.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on achieving the 29 recommendations contained in the review document, The Same as You.","AnswerText":"Action has been taken on each of the 29 recommendations in The same as you? resulting in a significant shift in the balance of care from people living in institutional settings to community based support services. Annual returns have been submitted from all local authorities on implementation of the review, which demonstrate an increase in tenancies, personal life plans, local area coordination and alternative day opportunities. The 2007 return can be accessed on the Scottish Government website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/03/20154612/0. The overall aim of the review was to ensure that people with learning disabilities are included in our communities and involved in decisions about their lives. It recognised that general community services should be accessible where possible with specialist services available as required. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226338,"EventID":"S3W-19730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will evaluate the impact of its The Same As You policy on services for people with learning disabilities before 2010 to inform policy development.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will evaluate the impact of its The Same As You policy on services for people with learning disabilities before 2010 to inform policy development.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will commission a major piece of research for early 2010 to look at how The same as you? has improved the quality of life for people with learning disabilities and their families. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226339,"EventID":"S3W-19731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what will replace partnership in practice agreements to ensure that people with learning disabilities continue to be involved in the development of local services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what will replace partnership in practice agreements to ensure that people with learning disabilities continue to be involved in the development of local services.","AnswerText":"Local authorities will now be accountable for the outcomes they agree to deliver through single outcome agreements. The single outcome agreements reflect the priorities and agreed outcomes for each council and include relevant supporting indicators and targets. We would expect them to be working with their partners and service users to ensure the outcomes reflect the expectations of all service users. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226340,"EventID":"S3W-19732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it will bring forward to replace its The Same As You policy to ensure continuing focus on services for people with learning disabilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it will bring forward to replace its The Same As You policy to ensure continuing focus on services for people with learning disabilities.","AnswerText":"The same as you? implementation group will continue to work on identified priorities specific to people with learning disabilities. This will be complimented by work to develop an approach to Independent Living, with a focus on ensuring choice and control for all disabled people, enabling independence and inclusion. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226341,"EventID":"S3W-19733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities’ single outcome agreements contain specific reference to services for people with learning disabilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities’ single outcome agreements contain specific reference to services for people with learning disabilities.","AnswerText":"The single outcome agreements (SOA) reflect the priorities and agreed outcomes for each council and include relevant supporting indicators and targets. Copies of all 32 SOAs which were agreed with local authorities on 30 June can be obtained via the Improvement Service web site by following the following link http://www.improvementservice.org.uk/component/option,com_docman/Itemid,43/task,cat_view/gid,561/. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226342,"EventID":"S3W-19734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will monitor local provision and development of services for people with learning disabilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will monitor local provision and development of services for people with learning disabilities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government collects annual statistical returns about the provision of services for people with learning disabilities. From 2008 this information will be collated through the eSAY project, which outlines a set of national data standards to ensure information is recorded and measured in the same way across Scotland. The Scottish Government is working with the partnership in practice network, which includes representatives from local authorities and health boards, to support the measurement and demonstration of outcomes at a local level through eSAY. The Social Work Inspection Agency and Care Commission will also continue to have a role in evaluating the delivery of services and monitoring regulated care settings. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226343,"EventID":"S3W-19735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work is being done on the introduction of processes for monitoring and measuring the provision and development of services for people with learning disabilities, bro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work is being done on the introduction of processes for monitoring and measuring the provision and development of services for people with learning disabilities, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19734 on 21 January 2008. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226344,"EventID":"S3W-19736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to expand the Scottish Driving Assessment Service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to expand the Scottish Driving Assessment Service.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to expand the Scottish Driving Assessment Service. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226345,"EventID":"S3W-19737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider establishing a permanent base for the Scottish Driving Assessment Service in the west of Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider establishing a permanent base for the Scottish Driving Assessment Service in the west of Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not believe there is a strong business case identifying the need for this service. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226346,"EventID":"S3W-19738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients were referred to the Scottish Driving Assessment Service in 2007-08 and for the first nine months of 2008-09, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients were referred to the Scottish Driving Assessment Service in 2007-08 and for the first nine months of 2008-09, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The number of patients referred to the Scottish Driving Assessment Service in 2007-08, broken down by NHS board, was: | NHS Board | Number of Referrals Received | | Ayrshire and Arran | 66 | | Borders | 44 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 39 | | Fife | 123 | | Forth Valley | 71 | | Grampian | 124 | | Greater Glasgow | 219 | | Highland | 63 | | Lanarkshire | 120 | | Lothian | 342 | | Orkney | 2 | | Shetland | 1 | | Tayside | 74 | | Western Isles | 4 | | Total | 1,292 | Information concerning the number of patients referred to the Scottish Driving Assessment Service for the first nine months of 2008-09, broken down by NHS board, is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226347,"EventID":"S3W-19739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients had to wait for an assessment from the Scottish Driving Assessment Service in 2007-08 and for the first nine months of 2008-09, also showing the waiting","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients had to wait for an assessment from the Scottish Driving Assessment Service in 2007-08 and for the first nine months of 2008-09, also showing the waiting period, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226348,"EventID":"S3W-19740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average annual pattern and duration is of visits by the mobile unit of the Scottish Driving Assessment Service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average annual pattern and duration is of visits by the mobile unit of the Scottish Driving Assessment Service.","AnswerText":"The average annual pattern by the mobile unit of the Scottish Driving Assessment Service, taking 2007-08 as the reference year, is: | Mobile Service Site | Number and Duration of Visits | Total Number of Patients Seen | | | Inverness | 3 visits lasting 4 weeks | 29 | | | | Aberdeen | 4 visits lasting 7 weeks | 64 | | | | Dundee | 4 visits lasting 6 weeks | 51 | | | | Paisley | 8 visits lasting 18 weeks | 147 | | | Irvine | 4 visits lasting 7 weeks | 56 | | | | Dumfries | 5 visits lasting 6 weeks | 33 | | | nt.uk/webapp/wa.search\">http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226349,"EventID":"S3W-19741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the planned date is for holding IslamFest, which the Scottish Islamic Foundation was granted funding to organise.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the planned date is for holding IslamFest, which the Scottish Islamic Foundation was granted funding to organise.","AnswerText":"The finance conference element of IslamFest will be held in June 2009. The Scottish Islamic Foundation is currently in discussion with local authorities and communities across Scotland regarding the delivery of further IslamFest events. Details of the dates and activities will be announced by the Scottish Islamic Foundation in due course. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226350,"EventID":"S3W-19742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the dates of meetings of the National Group to Address Violence Against Women since May 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the dates of meetings of the National Group to Address Violence Against Women since May 2007.","AnswerText":"The National Group to Address Violence Against Women has met on the following dates since May 2007: 26 June 2007 26 November 2007 19 February 2008 9 June 2008. The next meeting of the National Group will take place on 24 February 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226351,"EventID":"S3W-19743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the National Group to Address Violence Against Women will next meet.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the National Group to Address Violence Against Women will next meet.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19742 on 22 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226352,"EventID":"S3W-19744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when in 2009 the conference on race, referred to in the Scottish Government Race Equality Statement published on 8 December 2008, will take place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when in 2009 the conference on race, referred to in the Scottish Government Race Equality Statement published on 8 December 2008, will take place.","AnswerText":"No date has been set yet for the Race Equality Conference. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226353,"EventID":"S3W-19745","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the rate of still births per 1,000 live births was in the last year for which information is available, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the rate of still births per 1,000 live births was in the last year for which information is available, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"Information on stillbirth rates per 1,000 total births (live and stillbirths) for years 2002-07 is published on the Scottish Health Statistics website under the SPIMMR (Scottish Perinatal Mortality and Morbidity Report) web pages and can be found at table 16 at the following address. http://www.isdscotland.org/isd/information-and-statistics.jsp?pContentID=3119&p_applic=CCC&p_service=Content.show&. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226354,"EventID":"S3W-19746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much will be allocated to improve transport links between North Ayrshire and Glasgow in (a) 2009, (b) 2010 and (c) 2011.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much will be allocated to improve transport links between North Ayrshire and Glasgow in (a) 2009, (b) 2010 and (c) 2011.","AnswerText":"The amounts allocated for improvements to both road and rail links are as follows: | 2009-10 | £2.44 million | | 2010-11 | £6.29 million | | 2011-12 | £23.05 million | ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226355,"EventID":"S3W-19747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing has had with NHS Ayrshire and Arran regarding the timescale for setting up a new community unit at Ayrshir","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing has had with NHS Ayrshire and Arran regarding the timescale for setting up a new community unit at Ayrshire Central Hospital.","AnswerText":"I discussed the plans for the development of the Community Hospital in Irvine with NHS Ayrshire and Arran at the Annual Review meeting on 6 October 2008. The Scottish Government Capital Investment Group approved the Initial Agreement for the North Ayrshire Community Hospital in May 2008. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226356,"EventID":"S3W-19748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many deaths have occurred as a result of Clostridium difficile in NHS Ayrshire and Arran in each of the last six months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many deaths have occurred as a result of Clostridium difficile in NHS Ayrshire and Arran in each of the last six months.","AnswerText":"NHS Ayrshire and Arran advise that there were 10 deaths in NHS Ayrshire and Arran between June and December 2008 which were directly attributed to Clostridium difficile. It should be noted that this is a provisional figure only. Official data on the number of Clostridium difficile related deaths, by NHS board and by hospital, is published by the General Register for Scotland (GROS) on an annual basis. I am advised that data for 2008 are not yet available but will be published by GROS in August 2009. The national HAI reporting template recently introduced now requires NHS boards to collect real time data on infection rates by hospital and specialty. These templates will be published on NHS board websites, and from autumn 2009 the data they record will be extended to include information on HAI related deaths. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226357,"EventID":"S3W-19749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of Clostridium difficile have been reported by NHS Ayrshire and Arran in each of the last six months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of Clostridium difficile have been reported by NHS Ayrshire and Arran in each of the last six months.","AnswerText":"Mandatory surveillance on the total number of cases of Clostridium difficile reported by NHS board was introduced in September 2006. This information is collected by Health Protection Scotland (HPS) and is published in quarterly reports on their website. The second annual report of the mandatory National Surveillance Programme was published on Wednesday, 14 January 2009. The Surveillance Programme is retrospective (i.e. three months in arrears) and so the latest annual report provides data up to the third quarter of 2008 only (July-September 2008). Information for the period October to December 2008 will not be published by HPS until it''s next quarterly report in April 2009. The web link to the latest annual report is http://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/ewr/article.aspx. From January 2009 all NHS boards are required to complete a healthcare associated infection (HAI) reporting template with information on infection rates by hospital and specialty in all health board areas. The outcome of the analysis of all cases must be published and reported at bi-monthly board meetings. The member will therefore be able to access real time Clostridium difficile data from the NHS board''s website from this point forward. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226358,"EventID":"S3W-19750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the rate of still births per 1,000 live births was in each of the last five years for which information is available, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the rate of still births per 1,000 live births was in each of the last five years for which information is available, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":" Information on stillbirth rates per 1,000 total births (live and stillbirths) for years 2002-07 is published on the Scottish Health Statistics website under the SPIMMR (Scottish Perinatal Mortality and Morbidity Report) web pages and can be found at table 16 at the following address. http://www.isdscotland.org/isd/information-and-statistics.jsp?pContentID=3119&p_applic=CCC&p_service=Content.show&. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226359,"EventID":"S3W-19751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the rate of late fetal deaths per 1,000 live births was in each of the last five years for which information is available, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the rate of late fetal deaths per 1,000 live births was in each of the last five years for which information is available, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"Information on late fetal death rates (per 1,000 total births [live and still], plus late fetal deaths) is published on the Scottish Health Statistics website under the SPIMMR (Scottish Perinatal and Infant Mortality and Morbidity Report) web pages and can be found at table 19b in the individual reports for years 2002-07. http://www.isdscotland.org/isd/information-and-statistics.jsp?pContentID=3112&p_applic=CCC&p_service=Content.show&. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226360,"EventID":"S3W-19752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the rate of neonatal deaths per 1,000 live births was in each of the last five years for which information is available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the rate of neonatal deaths per 1,000 live births was in each of the last five years for which information is available.","AnswerText":"The information is published on the Scottish Health Statistics website under the SPIMMR (Scottish Perinatal Mortality and Morbidity Report) web pages and can be found at Table 1 at the following address http://www.isdscotland.org/isd/3113.html. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226361,"EventID":"S3W-19753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many accident and emergency staff were employed by the Scottish Ambulance Service in NHS (a) Highland, (b) Grampian, (c) Western Isles, (d) Orkney and (e) Shetland in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many accident and emergency staff were employed by the Scottish Ambulance Service in NHS (a) Highland, (b) Grampian, (c) Western Isles, (d) Orkney and (e) Shetland in (i) 2007 and (ii) 2008, broken down by month.","AnswerText":"The information is not held in the format requested. However, the numbers of accident and emergency staff in the North Operating Division, covering these NHS board areas, are set out below. Staff numbers are still recorded under the previous structure of two operating divisions. North East Operating Division | January 2007 | 230 | July 2007 | 233 | | February 2007 | 231 | August 2007 | 233 | | March 2007 | 231 | September 2007 | 233 | | April 2007 | 231 | October 2007 | 233 | | May 2007 | 232 | November 2007 | 233 | | June 2007 | 232 | December 2007 | 234 | | January 2008 | 236 | July 2008 | 243 | | February 2008 | 236 | August 2008 | 244 | | March 2008 | 236 | September 2008 | 245 | | April 2008 | 238 | October 2008 | 245 | | May 2008 | 240 | November 2008 | 245 | | June 2008 | 240 | December 2008 | 247 | North and West Operating Division | | | South West | North West | South East | | January 2007 | 71 | 40 | 54 | | February 2007 | 71 | 40 | 54 | | March 2007 | 75 | 40 | 54 | | April 2007 | 75 | 40 | 56 | | May 2007 | 75 | 40 | 56 | | June 2007 | 76 | 40 | 57 | | July 2007 | 80 | 40 | 57 | | August 2007 | 79 | 40 | 57 | | September 2007 | 79 | 40 | 59 | | October 2007 | 79 | 40 | 60 | | November 2007 | 79 | 40 | 60 | | December 2007 | 81 | 40 | 64 | | January 2008 | 81 | 40 | 64 | | Rotary wing (Helimed) staff are paramedics who are, in general, seconded for a three to five year period. The Scottish Ambulance Service has provided the following information in relation to Helimed vacancies: (a) one vacancy during 2006 (b) two vacancies during 2007 (c) two vacancies during 2008. The current two vacancies are in the process of being filled. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226364,"EventID":"S3W-19756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions air ambulance aircraft have been grounded due to staff shortages in each of the last six months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions air ambulance aircraft have been grounded due to staff shortages in each of the last six months.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) has advised that, due to short notice sickness absence, there were five occasions over the last six months when one air ambulance aircraft has been grounded. On these occasions, the remaining three aircraft were in operation. The SAS have advised that no requests for an air ambulance were declined due to the unavailability of the aircraft on the five occasions in question. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226365,"EventID":"S3W-19757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list meetings that it has had with representatives of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama since May 2007, broken down by date and location.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list meetings that it has had with representatives of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama since May 2007, broken down by date and location.","AnswerText":"Our records show that the following meetings with representatives of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (RSAMD) have taken place since May 2007: | Date | Location | | 21 August 2007 | Edinburgh | | 25 September 2007 | Glasgow | | 5 October 2007 | Glasgow | | 24 October 2007 | Edinburgh | | 17 January 2008 | Edinburgh | | 5 February 2008 | Edinburgh | | 6 February 2008 | Edinburgh | | 19 March 2008 | Edinburgh | | 28 April 2008 | Edinburgh | | 22 May 2008 | Edinburgh | | 24 June 2008 | Edinburgh | | 16 January 2009 | Glasgow | ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226366,"EventID":"S3W-19758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many accounts submitted to it by contractors had not been settled within a 10-day period as at 10 December 2008, also expressed as a percentage of the transactions pa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many accounts submitted to it by contractors had not been settled within a 10-day period as at 10 December 2008, also expressed as a percentage of the transactions paid within that period.","AnswerText":"Between 11 November and 10 December, the Scottish Government paid 9,897 transactions within 10 working days. This equates to approximately 61% of transactions paid within the period. The Scottish Government has established a monitoring process which produces figures on a monthly basis, by calendar month. The latest figures for the calendar month of December 2008 are that 12,032 transactions were paid within 10 working days, equating to 84% of transactions paid within the month. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226367,"EventID":"S3W-19759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many accounts submitted to it by contractors had not been settled within a 10-day period as at 10 January 2009, also expressed as a percentage of the transactions pai","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many accounts submitted to it by contractors had not been settled within a 10-day period as at 10 January 2009, also expressed as a percentage of the transactions paid within that period.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government monitor payment performance on a monthly basis and information is collated by calendar month. During the month of December 2008, the Scottish Government paid 12,032 transactions within 10 working days. This equates to approximately 84% of transactions paid within the period. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226368,"EventID":"S3W-19760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the anticipated schedule is to deliver the enhanced park-and-ride facilities at Croy railway station. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the anticipated schedule is to deliver the enhanced park-and-ride facilities at Croy railway station. ","AnswerText":"Strathclyde Partnership for Transport was awarded Scottish Executive funding in 2002. SPT is responsible for the delivery of the car park extension at Croy railway station. SPT is working with First ScotRail to develop a final design, which is necessary before a delivery date can be determined. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226369,"EventID":"S3W-19761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied that the existing A96 trunk road through Elgin is an adequate trunk road for current circumstances and for the projected traffic growth.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied that the existing A96 trunk road through Elgin is an adequate trunk road for current circumstances and for the projected traffic growth.","AnswerText":"The recently published Strategic Transport Projects Review has recommended 29 nationally strategic transport interventions over the next 20 years that will let us plan for the delivery of an efficient, integrated transport network fit for the 21st century. Transport Scotland continually monitors the trunk road network to ensure that it is operating effectively at a local level. However, as with other parts of the network, during week day peak periods congestion can occur on the A96. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226370,"EventID":"S3W-19762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the traffic growth forecasts are for the A96 through Elgin for the period up to 2020.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the traffic growth forecasts are for the A96 through Elgin for the period up to 2020.","AnswerText":"The Strategic Transport Projects Review used a number of data sources to help inform the Review, one of which was the Transport Model for Scotland (TMfS). The reports, which are available on the Transport Scotland website, indicate that TMfS predicts that for the A96 between Aberdeen and Inverness there will be a 26% increase in total trips between 2005 and 2022. The current annual average daily traffic levels can be up to approximately 35,000 vehicles in the dual carriageway sections of the A96 near Inverness and Aberdeen, and drop to approximately 7,000 vehicles in the middle of the corridor on the single carriageway sections. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226371,"EventID":"S3W-19763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will set out its reasons for not including the Elgin bypass as a priority project for completion in the Strategic Transport Projects Review.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will set out its reasons for not including the Elgin bypass as a priority project for completion in the Strategic Transport Projects Review.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19432 on 19 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226372,"EventID":"S3W-19764","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the advice Scottish ministers received on the case for an Elgin bypass as a priority project in the Strategic Transport Projects Review. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the advice Scottish ministers received on the case for an Elgin bypass as a priority project in the Strategic Transport Projects Review. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19432 on 19 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226373,"EventID":"S3W-19765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its response to the recommendations made in the First Annual Report of the Scottish Council of Economic Advisers: December 2008.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its response to the recommendations made in the First Annual Report of the Scottish Council of Economic Advisers: December 2008.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government''s response to the recommendations contained in the First Annual Report of the Scottish Council of Economic Advisers will be published today. Copies of the document have been lodged with Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 47314) and the response is due to be debated in Parliament on 22 January 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226374,"EventID":"S3W-19766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":71,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that bus operators comply with the rules and regulations of the national concessionary travel scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that bus operators comply with the rules and regulations of the national concessionary travel scheme.","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland undertakes a regular programme of audit inspections to examine the claims for reimbursement submitted by operators. Transport Scotland also conducts on-bus surveys to collect information on the operation of the scheme, including details of cardholders'' journeys. If discrepancies are found, the reimbursement to the operator is adjusted accordingly. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226375,"EventID":"S3W-19767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":71,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that bus operators submit correct information on the revenue forgone or average fare element of their travel claims under the national c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that bus operators submit correct information on the revenue forgone or average fare element of their travel claims under the national concessionary travel scheme.","AnswerText":"Every concessionary travel claim submitted to Transport Scotland is subject to a robust system of checks and analysis. Transport Scotland undertakes a regular programme of audit inspections to examine the claim compilation and submission procedures used by operators. They also carry out checks on the detailed information behind the claims which is available from the operators'' ticketing systems and undertake on-bus surveys. The information collected is used to analyse the revenue foregone or average fare data submitted in the operators'' claims. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226376,"EventID":"S3W-19768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":71,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why some bus operators do not have to record boarding and alighting points when submitting claims for concessionary travel.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why some bus operators do not have to record boarding and alighting points when submitting claims for concessionary travel.","AnswerText":"When the Scotland-wide Free Bus Travel Scheme was introduced, it was agreed in consultation with the Confederation of Passenger Transport (the industry representative body) that operators would continue to submit claims using the procedures for reimbursement used under the previous local authority schemes. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226377,"EventID":"S3W-19769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":71,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to require bus operators to record the origin and destination of journeys under the national concessionary travel scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to require bus operators to record the origin and destination of journeys under the national concessionary travel scheme.","AnswerText":"This is one of a number of issues being considered as part of the review of the Scotland-Wide Free Bus Travel Scheme for Older and Disabled People. The review is nearing completion and has been looking at how the scheme could be improved. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226378,"EventID":"S3W-19770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":71,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can intervene in a local authority planning decision on a retrospective application to install double glazing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can intervene in a local authority planning decision on a retrospective application to install double glazing.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19772 on 28 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226379,"EventID":"S3W-19771","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":71,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can intervene in a local authority decision to grant planning permission for white uPVC windows in an area where planning policy has deemed this to be inapprop","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can intervene in a local authority decision to grant planning permission for white uPVC windows in an area where planning policy has deemed this to be inappropriate.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19772 on 28 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226380,"EventID":"S3W-19772","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":71,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action members of the public can take if they object to planning permission being granted for white uPVC windows in an area where local planning policy has deemed th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action members of the public can take if they object to planning permission being granted for white uPVC windows in an area where local planning policy has deemed this to be inappropriate.","AnswerText":"Objections to applications for planning permission should be made to the planning authority. It is for the planning authority to reach a decision on planning applications and in doing so they are required to make decisions in line with the development plan for the area unless material considerations indicate otherwise. It is for the planning authority to decide what weight to give to objections from the public, along with any other considerations which might be material, when determining an application. There is no further planning procedure for objectors to challenge a decision once it has been issued by the planning authority. It would be for the objectors to consider taking legal advice for example on what avenues may be open to them in the circumstances of the case. The Scottish Government has no powers to intervene once a local authority has made and issued its decision on a planning application. Scottish ministers do hold powers to call in any live planning application for their own determination, but would consider doing so only where a proposed development raises issues of genuine national interest. These same powers and policy on their use apply in relation to applications for retrospective planning permission. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226381,"EventID":"S3W-19773","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, excluding the standard induction meeting, how many people sentenced to community service orders begin work within (a) one week, (b) one month, (c) two months, (d) three ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, excluding the standard induction meeting, how many people sentenced to community service orders begin work within (a) one week, (b) one month, (c) two months, (d) three months and (e) six months.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. However, to measure the impact of the additional £1 million being made available, it is intended to carry out an early audit of current timescales for the start of placements and a repeat of the exercise 12 months later. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226382,"EventID":"S3W-19774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in re-establishing a ferry service between Campbeltown and Ballycastle.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in re-establishing a ferry service between Campbeltown and Ballycastle.","AnswerText":"Ministers in Scotland and Northern Ireland met in November 2008 to discuss the way forward and agreed that further consideration should be given to proceeding with a joint Campbeltown to Ballycastle service tender. Scottish Government officials, in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Executive, are currently in the process of preparing a joint paper, with detailed options for ministers to consider. A decision is expected within the next month. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226383,"EventID":"S3W-19775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps were taken by Scottish Government officials to bring forward Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) payments before the end of 2008.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps were taken by Scottish Government officials to bring forward Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) payments before the end of 2008.","AnswerText":"Payments of LFASS 2008 were made into bank accounts from 16 January, some three weeks earlier than last year. Over 11,000 payments worth £52 million, or 85% of the budget, had been made by 26 January. Steps taken to achieve the issue of these payments included: Prioritisation of inspection field work and redeployment of resource as appropriate, to ensure that the EC legislative requirement to complete the inspection process before starting LFASS payments, was met as quickly as possible. Liaison with SFPS (Single Farm Payment Scheme) colleagues to ensure that LFASS development work did not adversely impact on the release of SFPS aid. Detailed testing of the complex IT systems that underpin LFASS payments, by the dedicated LFASS teams and others. Continual monitoring of essential changes to the IT processes to ensure that decisions were made and resources allocated appropriately. In addition, I took a keen personal interest in the issue of the LFASS payments and received regular reports on their progress. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226384,"EventID":"S3W-19776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that the next round of Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) payments and single farm payments can be made in 2009.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that the next round of Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) payments and single farm payments can be made in 2009.","AnswerText":"As the member is aware, I recently wrote to him and explained that my officials are already looking carefully at what is possible in terms of improving the position on the issue of payments - including the feasibility of combining, or paying in parallel, the SFPS and LFASS payments. This would need to be done in a way that avoids compromising key payment and delivery targets, and without delaying payments to individual farmers under either scheme. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226385,"EventID":"S3W-19777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has taken on the possibility of making the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) payment and the single farm payment at the same time.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has taken on the possibility of making the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) payment and the single farm payment at the same time.","AnswerText":"Officials are looking at the feasibility of making LFASS and SFPS (Single Farm Payment Scheme) payments at the same time. This is an operational issue, although there is a need to ensure that the different legislative requirements are met. We will seek the advice of key stakeholders once we have identified the risks and benefits of such an approach. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226386,"EventID":"S3W-19778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the European Commission on the possibility of making the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) payment and the single farm payment in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the European Commission on the possibility of making the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) payment and the single farm payment in the same year.","AnswerText":"Provided the EC''s legislative pre-payment conditions are met, and audit requirements observed, there is no need to discuss with the EC what is essentially an operational issue. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226387,"EventID":"S3W-19779","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that there is any legal impediment to making the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) payment and the single farm payment in the same year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that there is any legal impediment to making the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) payment and the single farm payment in the same year.","AnswerText":"Under the existing legislation there is no legal barrier to making LFASS and SFPS (Single Farm Payment Scheme) payments in the same year. However, they each have eligibility criteria that must be met before payments can issue. This is a legal requirement. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226388,"EventID":"S3W-19780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make an announcement on the outcome of any investigation into making the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) payment and the single farm payment at ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make an announcement on the outcome of any investigation into making the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) payment and the single farm payment at the same time and, if so, when.","AnswerText":"I will be making an announcement about our strategy for LFASS and SFPS (Single Farm Payment Scheme) payments and aim to do so in due course. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226389,"EventID":"S3W-19781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any assessment of the potential benefits for farmers and crofters from the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) payment and the single farm payme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any assessment of the potential benefits for farmers and crofters from the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) payment and the single farm payment being made in the same year.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19776 on 28 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226390,"EventID":"S3W-19782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a code of good practice on the siting of fin fish farm cages in (a) salt and (b) fresh water.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a code of good practice on the siting of fin fish farm cages in (a) salt and (b) fresh water.","AnswerText":"The industry''s own Code of Good Practice for Scottish Finfish Aquaculture contains recommendations on the siting of fish farms. In addition, the Environmental Impact Assessment Practical Guidelines Toolkit for Marine Fish Farming contains at Annex G guidance on potential impacts arising from marine fish farming and their assessment, and Scottish Planning Policy 22 provides guidance on particular factors to be taken into account when considering proposals for siting of fish farms. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226391,"EventID":"S3W-19783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a code of good practice or regulation exists on how long fin fish cages can be used on a single site without being moved in (a) salt and (b) fresh water.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a code of good practice or regulation exists on how long fin fish cages can be used on a single site without being moved in (a) salt and (b) fresh water.","AnswerText":"No such provision or regulation exists. The industry''s own Code of Good Practice for Scottish Finfish Aquaculture contains recommendations on site fallowing across given areas which are designed to manage sea lice numbers and disease. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226392,"EventID":"S3W-19784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its review of aquaculture will consider the appropriateness of existing fin fish farm sites in relation to the impact that they may have had on wild fish populati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its review of aquaculture will consider the appropriateness of existing fin fish farm sites in relation to the impact that they may have had on wild fish populations in (a) salt and (b) fresh water.","AnswerText":"Scottish Aquaculture: A Fresh Start, the consultation on the renewed strategic framework for Scottish aquaculture, sought views on the Scottish Government''s approach to planning, consents and sites for aquaculture. It pointed out that new or modified finfish developments are subject to Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations. On expiry of leases existing marine farms will be subject to an audit or review process to ensure that requirements of European Directives are not compromised. The consultation on Scottish Aquaculture: A Fresh Start is now closed, the renewed strategic framework will be published in the spring. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226393,"EventID":"S3W-19785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what factors it will consider when evaluating Homecoming Scotland 2009.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what factors it will consider when evaluating Homecoming Scotland 2009.","AnswerText":"The main objective of Homecoming Scotland is to increase tourism revenues and VisitScotland is working to a target of an 8:1 return on the core funding; meaning that a £40 million increase in tourism revenues should be delivered. The Scottish Government is, however, confident that with all the additional activities and focus on homecoming across Scotland, this return will be exceeded. Homecoming should also have a significant impact on the annual survey figures that are used to judge the level of Scottish tourism visitor numbers and expenditure. The UK Tourism Survey (UKTS) and International Passenger Survey (IPS) provide the national statistics for the Office of National Statistics. It may not be possible to identify exactly the specific impact of Homecoming on the figures as it may not be clear whether a visitor only visited Scotland because of Homecoming. As well as this overall assessment of the tourism figures, detailed assessments of specific events and campaigns will be carried out by VisitScotland and EventScotland. There are three main strands to these technical evaluations. Conversion Studies of VisitScotland Marketing Activity VisitScotland will commission a dedicated conversion study into its Homecoming marketing activity in the US and Canadian markets. The study will be carried out independently and will target respondents to their US / Canadian campaigns. This will be an online survey and respondents will be asked, among other things, about the impact of Homecoming 2009 on their decision to visit. The survey will be carried out in the winter of 2009. A similar conversion study will also be carried out in the UK and in two key European markets. Event Organiser Outcome Reports Each event which is receiving funding for Homecoming from EventScotland will be required to conduct an event outcome report which assesses the impact and success of the event. Scottish Omnibus Surveys There will be six waves of the You Gov Scottish Omnibus Studies to assess awareness and favourability towards the Homecoming programme among the Scottish population. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226394,"EventID":"S3W-19786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the names of the public bodies that have chairs who are also serving councillors, also showing the names of such chairs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the names of the public bodies that have chairs who are also serving councillors, also showing the names of such chairs.","AnswerText":"The details, including the occupations and any declared political activity, of all public appointees on the boards of OCPAS regulated public bodies are shown on the Public Bodies Directory pages in the Scottish Government website. The link to the directory is: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/public-bodies/directory. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226395,"EventID":"S3W-19787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review the advertising campaign for Homecoming Scotland 2009.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review the advertising campaign for Homecoming Scotland 2009.","AnswerText":"Scottish Government is committed to the effective marketing of Homecoming Scotland 2009 and are continually reviewing the advertising of this initiative. There are already indicators that the advertising targeted at domestic visitors and in 40 countries around the world is working well: More than one million people engaging with VisitScotland per month through visiting the suite of websites and receiving the e-newsletters are exposed to the Homecoming message. The Homecoming Scotland websites have attracted over 340,000 user sessions to date (end December 2008). Over the span of Homecoming we expect 25 million people to have used these sites. homecomingscotland2009.com and homecomingscotland.com. In the month of November, the peak of VisitScotland''s autumn long-haul I am a Scot campaign, the two principal websites alone attracted 100,000 user enquiries, equating to one visitor every 35 seconds. The Homecoming Caledonia advert was seen by three million Scots (60 per cent of the population) when it premiered on TV in November and in Scotland the evidence of awareness is emphatic, with a You Gov poll in early December 2008 showing that 66% of Scottish people are aware of Homecoming. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226396,"EventID":"S3W-19788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with representatives of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office regarding Homecoming Scotland 2009.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with representatives of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office regarding Homecoming Scotland 2009.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has had discussions regarding Homecoming Scotland 2009 with the Stakeholder Engagement Team at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Officials there have received a core briefing pack on Homecoming and were sent copies of the new Events Guide shortly after it was launched by the First Minister and opposition party leaders on 18 December 2008. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office are also promoting Homecoming by placing a link to the Homecoming website on 150 in-country post websites. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226397,"EventID":"S3W-19789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with UK ministers with responsibility for tourism regarding Homecoming Scotland 2009.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with UK ministers with responsibility for tourism regarding Homecoming Scotland 2009.","AnswerText":"I met with the UK Minster for Culture, Creative Industries and Tourism in March 2008 and discussed the plans for Homecoming and other general tourism matters. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226398,"EventID":"S3W-19790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with VisitBritain regarding Homecoming Scotland 2009.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with VisitBritain regarding Homecoming Scotland 2009.","AnswerText":"VisitScotland staff are in regular contact with staff at VisitBritain and, as a result, VisitScotland''s own Homecoming promotion is being significantly extended through collaboration with VisitBritain who are actively promoting Homecoming through their offices worldwide with websites, e-comms and PR and trade activity. This includes a significant presence for Homecoming across the VisitBritain network of 40 country market sites which are translated in 19 languages from Russian to Mandarin and Japanese, and which attract 10 million users. In addition, the VisitBritain global PR Conference in 2008 was themed around Homecoming and trade events across the globe have used Homecoming as their main theme. Formal activity plans were agreed between VisitScotland and VisitBritain in 2008 and the delivery against these plans is being closely monitored by VisitScotland. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226399,"EventID":"S3W-19791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) primary and (b) secondary school pupils were caught carrying a knife at school in each of the last three years, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) primary and (b) secondary school pupils were caught carrying a knife at school in each of the last three years, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"The information requested on the number of school pupils who were caught carrying a knife, or any other specific weapon, is not collected centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Maureen Watt","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226400,"EventID":"S3W-19792","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) primary and (b) secondary school pupils were suspended or expelled for carrying a knife at school in each of the last three years, broken down by local autho","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) primary and (b) secondary school pupils were suspended or expelled for carrying a knife at school in each of the last three years, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of pupils temporarily excluded or removed from the register for carrying a knife, or any other specific weapon, at school is not collected. If there were any exclusions for carrying a knife at school, they would be recorded in the Other reason category. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Maureen Watt","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226401,"EventID":"S3W-19793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) primary and (b) secondary school pupils were suspended or expelled for threatening physical violence using a weapon or improvised weapon in each of the last ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) primary and (b) secondary school pupils were suspended or expelled for threatening physical violence using a weapon or improvised weapon in each of the last three years, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"The requested information on the number of exclusions of primary and secondary school pupils for threatening physical violence using a weapon or improvised weapon in each of the last three years, broken down by local authority, has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 47414). ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Maureen Watt","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226402,"EventID":"S3W-19794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) primary and (b) secondary school pupils were suspended or expelled from school for physical assault with a weapon in each of the last three years, broken dow","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) primary and (b) secondary school pupils were suspended or expelled from school for physical assault with a weapon in each of the last three years, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"The requested information on the number of exclusions of primary and secondary school pupils for physical assault with a weapon in each of the last three years, broken down by local authority has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 47413) ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Maureen Watt","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226403,"EventID":"S3W-19795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many exclusions there were from (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in (i) Aberdeen, (ii) Aberdeenshire and (iii) Angus during 2006-07, broken down by reason for ex","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many exclusions there were from (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in (i) Aberdeen, (ii) Aberdeenshire and (iii) Angus during 2006-07, broken down by reason for exclusion.","AnswerText":"The requested information on Exclusions in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Angus in 2006-07 by reason for exclusion has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 47412). ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Maureen Watt","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226404,"EventID":"S3W-19796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many exclusions there were from (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in (i) Aberdeen, (ii) Aberdeenshire and (iii) Angus during 2007-08, broken down by reason for ex","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many exclusions there were from (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in (i) Aberdeen, (ii) Aberdeenshire and (iii) Angus during 2007-08, broken down by reason for exclusion.","AnswerText":"The requested information on Exclusions in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Angus in 2007-08 by reason for exclusion has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. reference number 47479). ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Maureen Watt","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226405,"EventID":"S3W-19797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its assessment is of the pilot knife-crime text hotline being run in Lancashire schools by Lancashire Constabulary and Crimestoppers, with the aim of encouraging ano","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its assessment is of the pilot knife-crime text hotline being run in Lancashire schools by Lancashire Constabulary and Crimestoppers, with the aim of encouraging anonymous reporting of young people who pupils believe may be carrying knives, as reported on BBC News Online on 14 January 2009.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to reducing violence and knife crime in our communities and takes an interest in initiatives in other areas which could contribute to our efforts. We will look carefully at the impact of this initiative and assess its suitability for use in areas of Scotland that are affected by knife crime. We are working with local partners on a range of violence reduction measures and are committed to dealing with the underlying causes of crime “ drink, drugs and deprivation. We have recently invested £1.6 million in the Community Initiative to Reduce Violence (CIRV) to tackle the gang culture that fuels knife crime. We have recently launched Medics Against Violence, a new initiative that has been developed by the Violence Reduction Unit and three senior medics in Glasgow, in which we have invested £80,000. It will see medics working directly with young people to highlight the dangers of knives. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226406,"EventID":"S3W-19798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to pilot a knife-crime text hotline similar to that being run in Lancashire schools by Lancashire Constabulary and Crimestoppers with the aim of encour","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to pilot a knife-crime text hotline similar to that being run in Lancashire schools by Lancashire Constabulary and Crimestoppers with the aim of encouraging the anonymous reporting of young people who pupils believe may be carrying knives, as reported on BBC News Online on 14 January 2009.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19797 on 27 January 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliaments website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226407,"EventID":"S3W-19799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has identified any knife-crime hot spots and what action it is taking to ensure that they are being addressed locally.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has identified any knife-crime hot spots and what action it is taking to ensure that they are being addressed locally.","AnswerText":"Our partners in police forces and local authorities identify the areas that are most affected by knife crime and are taking action through the Violence Reduction Unit''s on-going anti-violence campaign to tackle the problem. In addition, we also support them in addressing this issue through initiatives such as Medics Against Violence and the Community Initiative to Reduce Violence (CIRV), which are being delivered in areas that are directly affected by knife crime. I refer the Member to the answer to question S3W-19797 on 27 January 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliaments website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226408,"EventID":"S3W-19800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to educate (a) primary school pupils, (b) secondary school pupils and (c) young adults about the dangers of carrying knives and issues surroundin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to educate (a) primary school pupils, (b) secondary school pupils and (c) young adults about the dangers of carrying knives and issues surrounding knife crime.","AnswerText":"This issue is recognised in the Curriculum for Excellence (which covers all stages of primary and secondary education) experiences and outcomes which include pupils learning to assess and manage risk, protect themselves and others, and to reduce the potential for harm when possible. The national Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) - funded by the Scottish Government - promotes programmes and materials on the dangers of knife carrying to schools and young people as part of their anti-violence campaign. The VRU has received further funding to develop a new initiative working in partnership with senior medics from Glasgow - Medics Against Violence. This includes medical practitioners visiting secondary schools and talking with S2 pupils. It is up to individual schools, youth organisations and local authorities to decide on which resources to use from the wide range of materials and educational programmes available on the dangers of illegal knife carrying, as they are best placed to judge the needs of the children and young people in their communities. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Maureen Watt","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226409,"EventID":"S3W-19801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of funding shortfall it is aware of for home adaptations by housing associations in (a) Scotland and (b) the North Lanarkshire Council area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of funding shortfall it is aware of for home adaptations by housing associations in (a) Scotland and (b) the North Lanarkshire Council area.","AnswerText":"The level of funding shortfall for home adaptations by housing associations is currently estimated at: (a) just over £2 million for Scotland (b) around £0.45 million for North Lanarkshire. We are currently looking at slippage elsewhere in the affordable housing investment programme with a view to addressing this shortfall. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226410,"EventID":"S3W-19802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to increase grant funding for housing associations with a funding shortfall.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to increase grant funding for housing associations with a funding shortfall.","AnswerText":"We are currently looking at slippage within the Affordable Housing Investment Programme with a view to reallocating funding to meet demand for funding for home adaptations. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226411,"EventID":"S3W-19803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3901,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":53,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further progress has been made in taking forward the development of the Scottish Futures Trust.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further progress has been made in taking forward the development of the Scottish Futures Trust.","AnswerText":"I shall be announcing today the appointment of the two remaining Non-Executive Directors to the Board of Scottish Futures Trust: Graeme Bissett, a member of the Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland, Finance Director at tie Ltd and a Member of the Court of Heriot-Watt University, and Fiona Mackenzie, Chief Executive of NHS Forth Valley. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226412,"EventID":"S3W-19804","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the recent outbreak of infectious salmon anaemia in Shetland, whether farmed salmon can legally be moved from one management area to another and, if so, what","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the recent outbreak of infectious salmon anaemia in Shetland, whether farmed salmon can legally be moved from one management area to another and, if so, what safeguards are in place regarding biosecurity.","AnswerText":"Movement of farmed salmon between management areas is currently not regulated unless movement controls have been applied because of the presence of notifiable disease such as infectious salmon anaemia. Biosecurity safeguards for consented movements will be applied by the Fisheries Research Services Aberdeen and they will be based on those in the industry Code of Good Practice. Legislation will soon be introduced to regulate movements of live fish between management areas as a safeguard against the spread of latent infection. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226413,"EventID":"S3W-19805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the legal provisions are for safeguarding biosecurity when farmed salmon are moved from one management area to another and what body is responsible for monitoring co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the legal provisions are for safeguarding biosecurity when farmed salmon are moved from one management area to another and what body is responsible for monitoring compliance with these provisions.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19804 on 28 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226414,"EventID":"S3W-19806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legislation covers the importation of live salmon and rainbow trout smolts from Scandinavia.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legislation covers the importation of live salmon and rainbow trout smolts from Scandinavia.","AnswerText":"Trade in live fish in the European Union is regulated by Council Directive 2006/88/EC on animal health requirements for aquaculture animals and products thereof and on the prevention and control of certain diseases in aquatic animals. Trade is permitted only where the fish health status of the exporting area is equal to or greater than the importing area. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226415,"EventID":"S3W-19807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what body is responsible for monitoring the welfare of wild salmonids in special areas of conservation (SACs) for specific types of salmon and in SACs where Atlantic salm","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what body is responsible for monitoring the welfare of wild salmonids in special areas of conservation (SACs) for specific types of salmon and in SACs where Atlantic salmon are a qualifying feature.","AnswerText":"The Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is the only salmonid species listed on Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive (species for which SACs are required to be designated) which is native to Scotland. Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) undertakes a rolling programme of Site Condition Monitoring (SCM) for all Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) in accordance with common standards agreed with other UK countryside agencies and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee. SNH advises that its condition assessment of Atlantic salmon SACs is based on data from a variety of sources including the Scottish Fisheries Co-ordination Centre and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. SNH also commissions further data collection from other parties where necessary. Anyone who observes signs of any notifiable disease in wild salmonid stocks should contact the Fisheries Research Services in Aberdeen who will conduct an investigation. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226416,"EventID":"S3W-19808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the decline in sea trout populations in certain areas, for what reasons sea trout populations are not considered a qualifying feature for special areas of co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the decline in sea trout populations in certain areas, for what reasons sea trout populations are not considered a qualifying feature for special areas of conservation.","AnswerText":"Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) are designated under the provisions of the EC Habitats Directive. Salmo trutta (whether in its migratory or non-migratory forms) is not included in the list of species for which member states are required to designate SACs. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226417,"EventID":"S3W-19809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to reinstate wild sea trout populations in areas where they have declined.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to reinstate wild sea trout populations in areas where they have declined.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for the management of wild sea trout populations lies with District Salmon Fishery Boards and we in government are working with these boards, and local fishery trusts to protect and promote these populations. We are also funding research into the numbers of sea trout and the reasons for their decline through Fisheries Research Services. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226418,"EventID":"S3W-19810","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the publication of sea lice data in Norway on the Lusedata website, when it will publish similar data.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the publication of sea lice data in Norway on the Lusedata website, when it will publish similar data.","AnswerText":"The Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act came into force in August 2007. The act allows inspection of fin fish farms to assess whether satisfactory measures are in place to control parasites (sea lice) and to contain farmed fish and prevent escapes. Necessary secondary legislation, the Fish Farming Businesses (Record Keeping) (Scotland) Order was laid at Scottish Parliament in October 2008 and came into force on 10 November 2008. Risk-based inspections and audits, conducted by Fisheries Research Services (FRS), commenced in late November to establish whether satisfactory measures are in place to contain fish, prevent escapes and control sea lice. This new regime is in its infancy and needs time to become established. We have no plans to publish fish-farm specific sea lice data. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226419,"EventID":"S3W-19811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-16417 by Richard Lochhead on 1 October 2008 and in light of the European Parliament’s vote in support of new pesticides legislation","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-16417 by Richard Lochhead on 1 October 2008 and in light of the European Parliament’s vote in support of new pesticides legislation, how this new legislation, if implemented, will affect the Scottish farming industry.","AnswerText":"The new legislation could adversely affect Scottish crop yields if certain pesticides were no longer available. However, it is not possible at this stage to determine whether the potential impact will actually be felt. This is because decisions will only be taken as individual products are assessed for re-authorisation when their current authorisations expire. This process will take some years, and the decisions will depend, among other things, on whether by that stage alternative products are available. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226420,"EventID":"S3W-19812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2596,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of people most at risk in the south of Scotland received flu vaccinations in each of the last three years, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of people most at risk in the south of Scotland received flu vaccinations in each of the last three years, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The percentage of people most at risk in Scotland who received flu vaccination in each of the last three years is set out in the following table. Information is provided broken down by all NHS board areas and for those aged 65 and over (over 65s) as well as for those under the age of 65 who are at risk due to certain long-term medical conditions (at risk). Figures reflect uptake of flu vaccine to the end of December each year: | Health Board | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | | Over 65s | At Risk | Over 65s | At Risk | Over 65s | At Risk | | Ayrshire and Arran | 67.8% | 35.6% | 70% | 41.1% | 72.3% | 43.8% | | Borders | 67.3% | 34.5% | 67.7% | 49.4 % | 76.2 % | 49.6% | | Dumfries and Galloway | 63.9% | 35.6% | 68.4% | 41.3% | 71.3% | 43.5% | | Fife | 71% | 37.8% | 58.8% | 41.5% | 73% | 41.2% | | Forth Valley | 69.7% | 41.4% | 72.6% | 49.2% | 73.6% | 48.4% | | Greater Glasgow and Clyde | 65.1% | 34.5% | 63.6% | 44.4% | 72.1% | 44.4% | | Grampian | 64.6% | 41.2% | 69.5% | 43% | 71.7% | 43.7% Figures for drink driving convictions alone are not available. The following tables provide information relating to drink/drug driving convictions. Persons1 with a Charge Proved for Drink/Drug-Driving Related Offences2: Breakdown by Year, Police Force Area3 and whether or not First-Time Offenders4 | Police Force Area | Number of all Offenders | Percentage of First-Time Offenders | Percentage of Repeat Offenders | | 2002-03 | | | | | Lothian and Borders | 1,568 | 92 | 8 | | Strathclyde | 3,510 | 93 | 7 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 220 | 94 | 6 | | Total | 5,298 | 93 | 7 | | 2003-04 | | | | | Lothian and Borders | 1,269 | 94 | 6 | | Strathclyde | 2,993 | 93 | 7 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 252 | 96 | 4 | | Total | 4,514 | 93 | 7 | | 2004-05 | | | | | Lothia","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226422,"EventID":"S3W-19814","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2596,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were arrested for drug-driving offences in the south of Scotland and how many of these were (a) first-time and (b) repeat offenders in each of the last fi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were arrested for drug-driving offences in the south of Scotland and how many of these were (a) first-time and (b) repeat offenders in each of the last five years for which information is available, broken down by police force.","AnswerText":"Figures for driving convictions involving drugs alone are not available. For data on drink/drug-driving offences I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19813 on 28 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226423,"EventID":"S3W-19815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many convicted prisoners have not received visitors in the last (a) six months, (b) year, (c) two years, (d) three years and (e) five years or more.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many convicted prisoners have not received visitors in the last (a) six months, (b) year, (c) two years, (d) three years and (e) five years or more.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The SPS does not currently hold this data. However, we have developed a national visits administration system which is currently being introduced across the estate. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226424,"EventID":"S3W-19816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on whether there is scientific evidence to support the introduction of the proposed new EU legislation on pesticides.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on whether there is scientific evidence to support the introduction of the proposed new EU legislation on pesticides.","AnswerText":"Scientific work by the Pesticides Safety Directorate on behalf of the Scottish Government and other UK authorities suggested that a number of pesticide active ingredients, for which there is no conclusive evidence of a risk to human or animal health or to the environment, could nonetheless eventually be banned under the new legislation. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226425,"EventID":"S3W-19817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make representations to the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council regarding the proposed new EU legislation on pesticides.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make representations to the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council regarding the proposed new EU legislation on pesticides.","AnswerText":"The Council of Ministers has finalised its position on the proposals, after a prolonged period of negotiation during which the Scottish Government made active representations, including in collaboration with the UK authorities. However, the impact of the new rules will not be felt immediately. Rather, substances will be assessed over the next few years as they come up for review at the end of their approval under the existing authorisation regime. We will lobby the commission so that, when these decisions are taken, they are proportionate and take account of the impact on Scottish agriculture and on food production in general. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226426,"EventID":"S3W-19818","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will to take to assist the farming industry in sourcing alternative pesticides if the new pesticides legislation agreed by the European Parliament on 13 ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will to take to assist the farming industry in sourcing alternative pesticides if the new pesticides legislation agreed by the European Parliament on 13 January 2009 is agreed by the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council.","AnswerText":"Development of new pesticides is primarily a matter for the companies concerned. It is not yet known whether currently-available pesticides will become unavailable in future. \r\nafte","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226427,"EventID":"S3W-19819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to provide additional funds under the Marine Energy Fund, which was announced by the then Deputy First Minister on 24 October 2006, beyond the £13.15 mi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to provide additional funds under the Marine Energy Fund, which was announced by the then Deputy First Minister on 24 October 2006, beyond the £13.15 million confirmed by 2 February 2007.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government currently has no plans to extend the Wave and Tidal Energy Support Scheme (WATES) which is fully subscribed. However, the recently reconvened Forum for Renewable Energy Development in Scotland (FREDS) Marine Energy Group will consider and make recommendations regarding future funding for the marine renewables sector. These recommendations will feed into a high level Road Map which will address the development of the marine sector. This is due to be launched early this year. We also intend to introduce in April, the most generous revenue support in the UK through the Renewables Obligations legislation for commercially deployed marine renewable energy projects. Five Renewable Obligation Certificates would be available for wave and three Renewable Obligation Certificates for tidal. At present one Renewables Obligation Certificate is available for both wave and tidal technologies. The £10 million Saltire Prize launched on 2 December 2008 also exists to encourage the development of marine renewable technologies. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226428,"EventID":"S3W-19820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive by what date it expects the £10 million being made available under the Saltire Prize to be awarded.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive by what date it expects the £10 million being made available under the Saltire Prize to be awarded.","AnswerText":"The £10 million Saltire Prize is expected to be awarded by 31 March 2015. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226429,"EventID":"S3W-19821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which of the funds it administers are specifically allocated to support the development of marine renewables and what the likely value is of each of these funds to marine","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which of the funds it administers are specifically allocated to support the development of marine renewables and what the likely value is of each of these funds to marine developers over the current comprehensive spending review period.","AnswerText":"The £13 million Wave and Tidal Energy Support Scheme (WATES) is fully subscribed and has awarded grants to eight wave or tidal developers. We also intend to introduce in April, the most generous revenue support scheme in the UK through the Renewables Obligations legislation for commercially deployed marine renewable energy projects. Five Renewable Obligation Certificates would be available for wave and three Renewable Obligation Certificates for tidal. At present one Renewables Obligation Certificate is available for both wave and tidal technologies. Given the nature of this support (income generation dependent on renewable electricity produced) it is impossible to quantify the value of the support at this stage. The recently reconvened Forum for Renewable Energy Development in Scotland (FREDS) Marine Energy Group will consider and make recommendations regarding future funding for the marine renewables sector through a Roadmap which will be published early this year. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226430,"EventID":"S3W-19822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of people caught by police with (a) knives and (b) other weapons in the Lothians region were (i) repeat and (ii) first-time offenders in each of the last ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of people caught by police with (a) knives and (b) other weapons in the Lothians region were (i) repeat and (ii) first-time offenders in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority area. ","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table , knives cannot be identified separately from other types of weapons. Persons1 with a Charge Proved in 2002-03 to 2006-07 for Possession of a Knife or Offensive Weapon2: Breakdown by Approximate Local Authority Area3 and whether or Not First-Time Offenders4 | Year / local authority | Number of all Offenders | Percentage First-Time Offenders4 | Percentage Repeat Offenders4 | | 2002-03 | | | | | East Lothian | 25 | 88 | 12 | | Edinburgh, City of | 184 | 78 | 22 | | West Lothian | 64 | 86 | 14 | | Lothians | 273 | 81 | 19 | | 2003-04 | | | | | East Lothian | 16 | 88 | 12 | | Edinburgh, City of | 199 | 81 | 19 | | West Lothian | 35 | 91 | 9 | | Lothians | 250 | 83 | 17 | | Information on graduate destinations 12 months after graduating is not held centrally. With respect to the seven HEIs in the Lothians region details six months after graduating are as follows: Table 1. Percentage (%) of higher education qualifiers from higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Lothians in full-time employment six months after qualifying by institution and academic year: 2002-03 to 2006-07: | Institution | Academic Year | | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | | All Lothians HEIs | 43 | 34 | 40 | 49 | 51 | | Edinburgh College of Art | 46 | 38 | 31 | 50 | 54 | | Heriot-Watt University | 63 | 60 | 63 | 62 | 65 | | Napier University | 57 | 56 | 59 | 61 | 61 | | The Open University | 51 | 43 | 43 | 43 | 47 | | Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh | 68 | 65 | 68 | 64 | 68 | | Scottish Agricultural College | 24 | 31 | 39 | 22 | | Education Institution | Last Academic Year at the Institution | | 2002- 03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | | Year student entered repayment (students enter repayment in April of calendar year after they leave HE) | | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | | Average Debt (£) | | Edinburgh College Of Art | 8,510 | 7,980 | 7,570 | 8,870 | 8,010 | | Edinburgh School Of Dental Hygiene And Therapy | 3,560 | 3,040 | 3,230 | 3,860 | 4,420 | | Edinburgh University | 7,380 | 7,630 | 6,980 | 6,460 | 6,200 | | Heriot-Watt University | 7,460 | 7,570 | 6,500 | 6,550 | 6,450 | | Jewel & Esk Valley | 3,690 | 3,600 | 3,110 | 3,060 ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226434,"EventID":"S3W-19826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners travelled from prison to attend appointments at (a) out-patient and (b) accident and emergency departments in 2007-08.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners travelled from prison to attend appointments at (a) out-patient and (b) accident and emergency departments in 2007-08.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: (a) The number of prisoners who have travelled from prison to attend appointments at out-patient departments from May 2007 to April 2008 is 5,683. (b) This information is not centrally held and cannot be easily obtained. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226435,"EventID":"S3W-19827","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has estimated the cost of sending a prisoner to a hospital appointment and whether this varies depending on the category of prisoner.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has estimated the cost of sending a prisoner to a hospital appointment and whether this varies depending on the category of prisoner.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows: Escorts are not paid for individually and therefore do not vary depending on the category of prisoner. Charges for the movement of prisoners are linked to the total number of escorts carried out. Details as to how the costs are structured are outlined in Schedule 4 of the contract which is published on the SPS website at www.sps.gov.uk/keydocs/contracts. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226436,"EventID":"S3W-19828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) nurses and allied health professionals and (b) doctors travelled to prisons to see or treat patients in 2007-08.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) nurses and allied health professionals and (b) doctors travelled to prisons to see or treat patients in 2007-08.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. A wide range of NHS health professionals, including forensic psychiatrists, physicians, specialist nurses and therapists visit prisons on a regular basis to treat patients. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226437,"EventID":"S3W-19829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether NHS Scotland has estimated the cost of staff travelling to prisons to treat patients.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether NHS Scotland has estimated the cost of staff travelling to prisons to treat patients.","AnswerText":"No estimate has been made. Travel costs for health service visits to prisons are not identified separately by NHS boards. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226438,"EventID":"S3W-19830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to monitor standards of hygiene and infection control in primary care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to monitor standards of hygiene and infection control in primary care.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19831 on 23 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. In addition, NHS Quality improvement Scotland (NHS QIS) is developing an assessment tool and plans to review all NHS boards against the Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI) Standards in 2009-10. As an interim measure, NHS boards were directed by the Chief Executive of NHS Scotland on 27 June 2008 to carry out self assessments against the standards. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226439,"EventID":"S3W-19831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to require primary care practices to meet the same standards of hygiene and infection control as those required in secondary care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to require primary care practices to meet the same standards of hygiene and infection control as those required in secondary care.","AnswerText":"The revised NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (NHS QIS) Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI) Standards are applied to all health care settings to assess both organisational structures and practical delivery of HAI policies. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226440,"EventID":"S3W-19832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new farmers have entered the farming industry under the new entrants scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new farmers have entered the farming industry under the new entrants scheme.","AnswerText":"The New Entrants measure (known formally as the Setting up of Young Farmers‘Interest Rate Relief option) is one of a range of measures under the Scotland Rural Development Programme aimed at supporting new and young farmers. It is still early days in the life of these measures, but 33 applications for New and Young Farmers support, including eight for the Setting up of Young Farmers option, have so far been approved. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226441,"EventID":"S3W-19833","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-9184 by John Swinney on 19 February 2008, what public expenditure is as a percentage of gross domestic product.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-9184 by John Swinney on 19 February 2008, what public expenditure is as a percentage of gross domestic product.","AnswerText":"The Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland (GERS) publication, published in June 2008, contains three estimates of the public expenditure to GDP ratio for Scotland in 2006-07. The estimates are 49.9% GDP excluding North Sea revenue, 48.8% GDP if a per capita share of North Sea revenue is included or 41.3% GDP when a geographical share of North Sea revenue is included. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226442,"EventID":"S3W-19834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-9185 by John Swinney on 19 February 2008, for what reason the January 2009 edition of the Office of the Chief Economic Adviser’s Ec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-9185 by John Swinney on 19 February 2008, for what reason the January 2009 edition of the Office of the Chief Economic Adviser’s Economic Pocket Databank does not contain figures for public expenditure as a percentage of gross domestic product.","AnswerText":"The Economic Pocket Databank presents the latest information on the performance of the Scottish economy, along with a selection of comparator economies. Statistics on Scottish public expenditure as a percentage of GDP are released separately in the Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland publication. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226443,"EventID":"S3W-19835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the student drop-out rate was for each university in the 2007-08 academic year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the student drop-out rate was for each university in the 2007-08 academic year.","AnswerText":"The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) annually publishes higher education performance indicators for all higher education institutions in the UK, including estimates of non-continuation rates. The most recently published performance indicators relate to the academic year 2004-05 and 2005-06. HESA''s non-continuation performance indicators can be found at: http://www.hesa.ac.uk/index.php/content/view/1178/141/. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226444,"EventID":"S3W-19836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many responses it has received to its consultation on marches and parades.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many responses it has received to its consultation on marches and parades.","AnswerText":"The consultation into marches and parades in Scotland received 25 responses. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226445,"EventID":"S3W-19837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reasons it has not published responses to its consultation on marches and parades and when it will do so.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reasons it has not published responses to its consultation on marches and parades and when it will do so.","AnswerText":"Nineteen responses to the consultation into marches and parades in Scotland were published in the Scottish Government library on 12 November. Six respondents withheld permission for their responses to be made public. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226446,"EventID":"S3W-19838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many animals have been imported into Scotland from mainland Europe since October 2008, broken down by species.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many animals have been imported into Scotland from mainland Europe since October 2008, broken down by species.","AnswerText":"In total 382 live animals were imported into Scotland from mainland Europe during the period 1 October to 31 December 2008. No figures are currently available for 2009. The following table details the imports by species. | Species | Total Number | | Horses | 49 | | Pigs (Mini-pigs for research) | 41 | | Other Mammals (includes ungulates, primates and rodents) | 284 | | Poultry/Birds | 8 | | Total | 382 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226447,"EventID":"S3W-19839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the take-up of the bluetongue vaccine has been.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the take-up of the bluetongue vaccine has been.","AnswerText":"Veterinary practices are providing the Scottish Government with information on their sales of bluetongue vaccine to animal keepers. From the information provided up to 20 January, 1.8 million doses have been dispensed and 28% of cattle and sheep holdings have obtained vaccine. Cattle and sheep keepers have until 30 April to vaccinate their animals. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226448,"EventID":"S3W-19840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the take-up of the bluetongue vaccine in England, broken down by region.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the take-up of the bluetongue vaccine in England, broken down by region.","AnswerText":"The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) have kept the Scottish Government informed on the take up of vaccine across England. These figures are subject to continual change and the Scottish Government does not routinely receive updates beyond the information published by Defra. This can be found at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/bluetongue/control/vaccination/index.htm. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226449,"EventID":"S3W-19841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the Russian Government having lifted its restriction on the importation of Scottish fish, what level of exports to Russia can be expected by Scottish fish pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the Russian Government having lifted its restriction on the importation of Scottish fish, what level of exports to Russia can be expected by Scottish fish processors.","AnswerText":"Figures obtained from the Sea Fish Industry Authority show that in 2007 the UK exported over 48,000 tonnes of pelagic fish, worth in excess of £42 million to Russia. The majority of these exports came from Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226450,"EventID":"S3W-19842","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it had with the Russian Government ahead of the lifting of its restriction on the importation of Scottish fish.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it had with the Russian Government ahead of the lifting of its restriction on the importation of Scottish fish.","AnswerText":"There were numerous discussions with the Russian Government from April 2008 to lift the restriction. The First Minister met the Russian Ambassador to the United Kingdom on a number of occasions and discussed the ban. The Minister for the Environment met the Russian Deputy Ambassador to the European Union in April 2008. Scottish Government and Scottish Development International officials have been in direct and constant contact with the Russian Consul General in Edinburgh and directly with the Russian Federal Veterinary and Phytosanitary Service in Moscow. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226451,"EventID":"S3W-19843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings it had with the Russian Government ahead of the lifting of its restriction on the importation of Scottish fish.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings it had with the Russian Government ahead of the lifting of its restriction on the importation of Scottish fish.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19842 on 23 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226452,"EventID":"S3W-19844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which minister led discussions with the Russian Government ahead of the lifting of its restriction on the importation of Scottish fish.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which minister led discussions with the Russian Government ahead of the lifting of its restriction on the importation of Scottish fish.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19842 on 23 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226453,"EventID":"S3W-19845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a signed agreement with the Russian Government that secures the sale of Scottish fish to Russia and, if so, whether the Scottish Government will place a ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a signed agreement with the Russian Government that secures the sale of Scottish fish to Russia and, if so, whether the Scottish Government will place a copy of the agreement in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"A letter agreeing that a number of the companies that were inspected by Russian veterinary inspectors could export was sent from Russia on 25 December 2008, allowing exports from 1 January 2009. A fisheries memorandum with the Russian Federation was signed on the Scottish Government''s behalf by Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 14 January 2009. This sets out the future terms of reference for the export of fish and fishery products between Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland and the Russian Federation. A copy has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 47406). ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226454,"EventID":"S3W-19846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it reached formal agreement with the Russian Government on the lifting of its restriction on the importation of Scottish fish.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it reached formal agreement with the Russian Government on the lifting of its restriction on the importation of Scottish fish.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19845 on 5 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226455,"EventID":"S3W-19847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the formal agreement with the Russian Government on the lifting of its restriction on the importation of Scottish fish was signed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the formal agreement with the Russian Government on the lifting of its restriction on the importation of Scottish fish was signed.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19845 on 5 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226456,"EventID":"S3W-19848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which of the Crofters Commission’s overheads are allocated to the Bull Hire Scheme when determining the costs of the scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which of the Crofters Commission’s overheads are allocated to the Bull Hire Scheme when determining the costs of the scheme.","AnswerText":"No Crofters Commission overhead costs are allocated to the Bull Hire Scheme when determining the costs of the scheme as published in the Crofters Commission Annual Report. The full costs of the Stud Farm staff and a small proportion of the costs of other Crofters Commission staff are taken into account. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226457,"EventID":"S3W-19849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence must be presented in court by those seeking the extradition of Scottish citizens under the terms of the Extradition Act 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence must be presented in court by those seeking the extradition of Scottish citizens under the terms of the Extradition Act 2003.","AnswerText":"Extradition relations with category 1 territories are governed by Part 1 of the Extradition Act 2003. Part 1 implemented the Framework Decision on the European Arrest Warrant (EAW). The decision on extradition under Part 1 is entirely a judicial function and the Scottish ministers have no role in these proceedings. Extradition relations with category two territories, are set out in Part 2 of the Extradition Act 2003. Category 2 territories are certain, designated, non-EU countries. Part 1 Requests (European Arrest Warrant) The Extradition Act 2003 requires surrender of an individual under an EAW for an extradition offence. That is defined as either a crime that requires to meet the test of dual criminality or is one of the framework list offences. If it is the former, the EAW must contain a description of the facts of the criminal conduct that constitutes the offence and a legal definition. The Scottish court must be satisfied that criminal conduct if it had occurred in Scotland would be a crime known to the law of Scotland before it can be satisfied it is an extradition offence under the Extradition Act 2003. This is the dual criminality test. If it is a framework list offence there is no requirement for such a test/conversion to be undertaken as it is recognised that across EU member states these crimes have a commonality of criminal conduct, such as murder, rape and fraud. No evidence is required to be produced by the issuing judicial authority in support of request to surrender a person under the Extradition Act 2003. The Scottish ministers have no role in the execution of EAWs. Part 2 Requests Where an extradition request is made in the approved way the Scottish ministers must issue a certificate to that effect. This certificate and certain accompanying documents are then sent to the Sheriff at Lothian and Borders in order to allow an extradition hearing to take place. The court at the first appearance of the individual must be satisfied the Scottish ministers have sent: the extradition request, particulars of the person whose extradition is requested, particulars of the offence, and either a warrant to arrest issued in the requesting state or a certificate of conviction and sentence. If the court is not satisfied on these issues it must order the person''s discharge. The Secretary of State has authority to designate countries for the purposes of the Extradition Act 2003. Countries can be designated so that they are not required to produce evidence which would be sufficient to make a case requiring an answer by the person if the proceedings were summary proceedings in respect of an offence alleged to have been committed by the person (except that for this purpose evidence from a single source shall be sufficient). If the country is not so designated then evidence is required to be produced. All offences alleged to be committed in a Part 2 territory require to satisfy the dual criminality test. If they do not, the court must order the person''s discharge. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226458,"EventID":"S3W-19850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any power to grant extradition orders under the terms of the Extradition Act 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any power to grant extradition orders under the terms of the Extradition Act 2003.","AnswerText":"Under Section 93 of the Extradition Act 2003, the Scottish Ministers have a statutory duty, in certain specified circumstances, to Order extradition. If the relevant conditions for extradition aren''t met the Scottish ministers have a duty to discharge the person. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226459,"EventID":"S3W-19851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any functions under the Extradition Act 2003 have been transferred to Scottish ministers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any functions under the Extradition Act 2003 have been transferred to Scottish ministers.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19852 on 28 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226460,"EventID":"S3W-19852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any functions were transferred to Scottish ministers as a result of the Sewel motion, S1M-3608, agreed by the Parliament on 21 November 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any functions were transferred to Scottish ministers as a result of the Sewel motion, S1M-3608, agreed by the Parliament on 21 November 2002.","AnswerText":"Yes. Sewel motion S1M-3608 consented to the conferral on the Scottish Ministers of executive functions in relation to extraditions to and from Scotland. The functions in question are contained in Part 2 of the Extradition Act 2003 and relate mainly to extradition requests made by certain designated, non-EU countries (category 2 territories). An example of the Scottish ministers'' functions under the 2003 act can be found at section 93 (Secretary of State''s consideration of the case) which has to be read in conjunction with section 141 (Scotland: references to the Secretary of State). Following the receipt of an appropriately made request and the consideration of certain prescribed factors by the sheriff at Lothian and Borders, section 93 provides, among other things, that the Scottish ministers must decide whether or not they are prohibited from ordering a person''s extradition by virtue of the factors listed in section 93(2) and more fully detailed in sections 94 (death penalty), 95 (speciality), 96 (earlier extradition to the United Kingdom from another territory) and 96A (earlier transfer to the United Kingdom from the International Criminal Court). If the Scottish ministers decide these questions in the negative they must order the person to be extradited unless any of paragraphs (a) to (c) of section 93(4) apply. The motion and further details can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/Sewel/FirstSession/Extradition. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226461,"EventID":"S3W-19853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Schools to go Greener initiative has been integrated into the Curriculum for Excellence and initiatives, such as eco schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Schools to go Greener initiative has been integrated into the Curriculum for Excellence and initiatives, such as eco schools.","AnswerText":"Schools Renewables Development Officers are working with Learning and Teaching Scotland (LTS) to ensure that the educational implications and benefits of the package of measures announced on 5 January are most effectively integrated into the Curriculum for Excellence. The Development Officers are working with individual authorities and schools, and the eco-schools programme, to help them all make best use of the learning opportunities presented by increased installation and use of renewable technologies. The announced package of measures will help meet the government''s commitments to having renewable generation in every school and to contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050. The educative benefits of greener school buildings and facilities are also important messages for the whole school community. LTS will therefore continue to support pupils and teachers in sharing knowledge, information and good practice in relation to how schools can reduce carbon emissions and make increased use of renewable technologies, including through to a Sustainable Development Education resource within their own website. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Maureen Watt","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226462,"EventID":"S3W-19854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many crimes of being drunk and disorderly have been recorded against people aged (a) under 15, (b) 15 to 18, (c) 19 to 21 and (d) over 21 in the Lothians region in ea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many crimes of being drunk and disorderly have been recorded against people aged (a) under 15, (b) 15 to 18, (c) 19 to 21 and (d) over 21 in the Lothians region in each month since January 2008, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of crimes recorded by the police is reported on an annual basis and it is not possible to provide information on a monthly basis. This data is returned in an aggregate format containing no information on individuals, meaning we cannot provide any information relating to age. The following table shows the number of crimes of being drunk and disorderly for each of the Lothians regions and Scotland for financial year 2007-08. This is the latest year for which published information is available. Number of Drunk and Disorderly Crimes Recorded, Lothians and Scotland, 2007-08 | Offence | City of Edinburgh | East Lothian | Midlothian | West Lothian | All Lothians | All Scotland | | Drunk and incapable and habitual drunkenness | 89 | 6 | 14 | 12 | 121 | 5,506 | | Drunk in charge of a child | 13 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 17 | 104 | | Drunk and attempting to enter licensed premises | 13 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 18 | 156 | | Drunk or drinking in unlicensed premises | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 60 | | Disorderly on licensed premises | 86 | 4 | 2 | 8 | 100 | 545 | | Drunk in or attempting to enter designated sports ground | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 331 | | Total | 209 | 12 | 17 | | Name | Date of Visit | Venue | Purpose | | First Minister | Nil | | | | Minister for Parliamentary Business | Nil | | | | Minister for Europe, External Affairs & Culture | 25 July 2008 | Scottish Opera Production Studios,40 Edington Street, Glasgow G4 9RD | To attend a photocall/make an announcement in connection with the Edinburgh Arts Festival. | | Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth | 1 December 2008 | Allied Vehicles, 230 Balmore Road, Glasgow G22 6LJ | To discuss electric vehicle technology. | | Minister for Enterprise, Energy & Tourism | Nil | | | | Minister for Transport Infrastructure and Climate Change | Nil | | | | Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning | Nil | | | | Minister for Schools & Skills | Nil | | | | Minister for Children & Early Years | Nil | | | | Cabinet Secretary for Health & Wellbeing | 19 May 200819 January 2009 | Ethnic Enable, Napiershall Centre, 39 Napiershall Street, Glasgow, G20 6EZPossilpark Health Centre, Denmark Street, Glasgow G22 5EG | To meet staff & see services p","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226464,"EventID":"S3W-19856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings Scottish ministers have had with representatives of Rothschild since May 2007 and what issues were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings Scottish ministers have had with representatives of Rothschild since May 2007 and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers have met with representatives of Rothschild bank on two occasions in connection with ideas developed by Rothschilds with regard to the forestry sector. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226465,"EventID":"S3W-19857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings its officials have had with representatives of Rothschild since May 2007 and what issues were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings its officials have had with representatives of Rothschild since May 2007 and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"The information requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226466,"EventID":"S3W-19858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish ministers have discussed proposals concerning forestry with representatives of Rothschild since May 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish ministers have discussed proposals concerning forestry with representatives of Rothschild since May 2007.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers have met with representatives of Rothschild bank on two occasions to receive advice on forestry matters. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226467,"EventID":"S3W-19859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":7,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is ensuring that the additional costs faced by families living with disability are addressed in its work to tackle child poverty.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is ensuring that the additional costs faced by families living with disability are addressed in its work to tackle child poverty.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is taking a wide range of measures to support families living with disability. For example, we provide substantial funding (around £3.3 million in 2008-09) for a range of organisations directly supporting families with disabled children. We also provide funding to the Child Poverty Action Group in Scotland to develop training, advice and information on tax credits and benefits for frontline workers working with children with disabilities and their families. We have also clearly committed to the UK Government''s child poverty targets. We will do all within the powers available to us to help achieve the interim target of halving child poverty by 2010, and the goal of eradicating child poverty by 2020. We are also liaising closely with the UK Government on their initial proposals for a Child Poverty Bill. However significant short term action to combat child poverty and to meet the additional costs faced by families living with disability requires extra investment by the UK Government in tax credits and benefits. The Scottish Government does not currently have responsibility for personal taxation and benefits but we are working in the context of the National Conversation, to develop key principles for how the benefits and tax credits system could operate to tackle poverty and income inequality in the event of fiscal autonomy or independence. We recognise that such families may be at risk of fuel poverty and so we announced in November that from April this year our new Energy Assistance Package will provide a range of help for low income families with a disabled child, to reduce energy costs and lower fuel bills which may include free insulation or central heating. We set out our new approach to tackling poverty and income inequality in Achieving Our Potential, which together with the frameworks on health inequalities and early years, commit to a concerted approach with our partners to tackle disadvantage and promote equality for people with disabilities. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226468,"EventID":"S3W-19860","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":7,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Early Years Framework will support parents and enable families to maximise disabled children’s abilities in every local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Early Years Framework will support parents and enable families to maximise disabled children’s abilities in every local authority area.","AnswerText":"The Early Years Framework has been developed jointly by the Scottish Government and COSLA and sets out the joint commitment of national and local government to improving outcomes for children and families. The framework is based on the principles of early intervention. Key to this will be earlier identification of children and families with particular support needs, including disabled children, and provision of timely and appropriate support to meet those needs. The framework includes a proposal to develop an indicator covering inclusion and outcomes for disabled children as part of a suite of improved local indicators. The detail of how services will be delivered locally to support improved outcomes is a matter for each individual community planning partnership under the single outcome agreement (SOA) process. The framework offers an analysis of key elements that will contribute to improved outcomes in early years that local partners can draw on in developing their SOAs. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Adam Ingram","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226469,"EventID":"S3W-19861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":7,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to ensure fair, consistent and transparent charging policies for community care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to ensure fair, consistent and transparent charging policies for community care.","AnswerText":"Charging policies for residential care are provided for in legislation. The Scottish Government publishes annual guidance for local authorities, the Charging for Residential Accommodation Guidance, which clearly sets out how local authorities should treat assets, capital and income when undertaking a financial assessment for the purposes of calculating charges. It is for local authorities to decide their charging policies for non-residential care, in keeping with local accountability. COSLA issued updated guidance on charging for non-residential care in January 2006, with the aim of promoting more consistent approaches across local authorities, and recently established a review group to look at the effectiveness of the guidance. The Scottish Government is represented on the review group. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226470,"EventID":"S3W-19862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":7,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to ensure that information on charges and financial assessments for people who use community care services is clear and accessible.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to ensure that information on charges and financial assessments for people who use community care services is clear and accessible.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has a range of measures in place to ensure that information on charges and financial assessments is clear and accessible, including: Publishing annually the Charging for Residential Accommodation Guidance. As well as setting out the charging rules, this guidance says that local authorities must ensure that the resident is given a clear explanation of how the assessment of ability to pay has been carried out; Publishing the Thinking about Moving into a Care Home booklet, which includes details of how a financial assessment is carried out, and Setting National Care Standards that require care services to provide information on charges and what they cover. The Scottish Government is also in the process of establishing Care Information Scotland. That will bring together in one place all the information about community care for older people, including information on charges and financial assessment. The information service will consist of a website and helpline and will go live later this year. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226471,"EventID":"S3W-19863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":7,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that disabled people are consulted when the services that they use are being put out to tender.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that disabled people are consulted when the services that they use are being put out to tender.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-18864 on 8 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226472,"EventID":"S3W-19864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":7,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how its work on the Getting Fit for the Future programme took account of the current and projected need for accessible housing and what is being done to meet this need.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how its work on the Getting Fit for the Future programme took account of the current and projected need for accessible housing and what is being done to meet this need.","AnswerText":"The Getting Fit for the Future programme centred on the modernisation and sustainability of health care service delivery in the Borders. The need for community care housing and the best way of meeting this can only properly be addressed at local level. I have been advised by NHS Borders that the current and projected need for accessible housing was not an issue raised directly during the programme. However, NHS Borders works closely with their partners through joint planning and initiatives to support more people to lead independent lives in the community. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226473,"EventID":"S3W-19865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":7,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will deliver the policy intentions of the national concessionary travel scheme to people who are unable to use conventional buses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will deliver the policy intentions of the national concessionary travel scheme to people who are unable to use conventional buses.","AnswerText":"Although the scheme already includes demand responsive/community transport services which are locally registered services, this is one of a number of issues being considered as part of the review of the scheme. The review is nearing completion. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226474,"EventID":"S3W-19866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":7,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it recognises that the eligibility criteria for the national concessionary travel scheme exclude people on the lower rate mobility component of the Disability Liv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it recognises that the eligibility criteria for the national concessionary travel scheme exclude people on the lower rate mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance and whether it will consider the reach of the scheme in its current review.","AnswerText":"We are aware that the eligibility criteria do not include people in receipt of the lower rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance. This is one of a number of issues being considered as part of the review of the scheme. The review is nearing completion. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226475,"EventID":"S3W-19867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions (a) officials and (b) Scottish ministers have met representatives of (i) Scottish Language Dictionaries, (ii) the Scots Language Centre and (iii) It","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions (a) officials and (b) Scottish ministers have met representatives of (i) Scottish Language Dictionaries, (ii) the Scots Language Centre and (iii) Itchy Coo since May 2008.","AnswerText":"During this period officials and Ministers from the Scottish Government, as well as officials from the Scottish Arts Council, have met representatives from these organisations on a number of occasions. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Linda Fabiani","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226476,"EventID":"S3W-19868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the membership is of the Scots Language Audit Research Advisory Group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the membership is of the Scots Language Audit Research Advisory Group.","AnswerText":"The Research Advisory Group comprises the following members: Janet Ruiz “ Principal Research Officer, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Analytical Services, Scottish Government Julie Carr “ Senior Research Officer, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Analytical Services, Scottish Government Michael Napier “ Policy Officer, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Directorate, Scottish Government Emma Wilson, Policy Adviser, Schools Directorate, Scottish Government Matthew Fitt, Itchy Coo James Robertson, Itchy Coo. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Linda Fabiani","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226477,"EventID":"S3W-19869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions the Scots Language Audit Research Advisory Group has met.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions the Scots Language Audit Research Advisory Group has met.","AnswerText":"The Research Advisory Group met four times in an advisory capacity to facilitate the research process for the audit and to provide relevant contacts in the Scots language sector to the contracted researcher. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Linda Fabiani","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226478,"EventID":"S3W-19870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the recommendations of the Scots Language Audit Research Advisory Group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the recommendations of the Scots Language Audit Research Advisory Group.","AnswerText":"It is not within the remit of the Research Advisory Group to make recommendations in respect of the audit. The audit report and findings were published on 27 January and can be viewed on the Scottish Government''s website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/01/23133726/0. The Scottish Government is hosting a one-day conference at the University of Stirling on 9 February to formally present the findings of the audit to interested parties and to enable discussion of possible ways forward for promoting and developing the Scots language in future. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Linda Fabiani","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226479,"EventID":"S3W-19871","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-17640 by Michael Russell on 14 November 2008, whether any of the investment scenarios referred to were based in this financial year","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-17640 by Michael Russell on 14 November 2008, whether any of the investment scenarios referred to were based in this financial year or 2009-10.","AnswerText":"As set out in Section 1.2 of the independent Bull Hire and Stud Farms Option Appraisal by Peter Cook a copy of which has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 47394) the scenarios are based on today''s money, that is to say 2008. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226480,"EventID":"S3W-19872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what agricultural or research uses the farms in and around Inverness that are managed by the Crofters Commission are involved.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what agricultural or research uses the farms in and around Inverness that are managed by the Crofters Commission are involved.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. I have asked the Chief Executive of the Crofters Commission to respond to you directly with the information you request. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226481,"EventID":"S3W-19873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what accounting capital charges are associated with the operation of the three farms in and around Inverness that are managed by the Crofters Commission and whether such ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what accounting capital charges are associated with the operation of the three farms in and around Inverness that are managed by the Crofters Commission and whether such capital charges are taken into account when calculating the costs associated with the Bull Hire Scheme and estimates of the costs associated with renting a bull.","AnswerText":"Capital charges and depreciation associated with the operation of the farms in and around Inverness can be found in the Annual Accounts section of the Crofters Commission Annual Reports for 2003-04 (Bib. number 33883), 2004-05 (Bib. number 37580), 2005-06 (Bib. number 40519), 2006-07 (Bib. number 43711) and 2007-08 (Bib. number 46774). These do not take account of any new investment required to refurbish the farms to a modern standard. The indicative cost of £2,500 for future hire costs, at less than 120 bulls hired per annum, drawn from section 3.1 of the independent Bull Hire and Stud Farms Option Appraisal (Bib. number 47394), does not include an element for capital charges or depreciation. The cost of depreciation would require to be added in order to calculate the full costs of the Bull Hire Scheme, including for State Aid de minimis recording purposes. Inclusion of depreciation at the current level would have the effect of raising the estimated total hire costs to some £2,900 per bull. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226482,"EventID":"S3W-19874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether depreciation is taken into account when calculating the operating costs of the three farms in and around Inverness that are managed by the Crofters Commission and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether depreciation is taken into account when calculating the operating costs of the three farms in and around Inverness that are managed by the Crofters Commission and, if so, what the value is of that depreciation.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19873 on 29 January 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226483,"EventID":"S3W-19875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what management or efficiency studies it or the Crofters Commission has undertaken into the potential for reducing the costs of the Bull Hire Scheme and whether ministers","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what management or efficiency studies it or the Crofters Commission has undertaken into the potential for reducing the costs of the Bull Hire Scheme and whether ministers will publish any such studies.","AnswerText":"No specific management or efficiency studies have been undertaken, by either the Scottish Government or the Crofters Commission, into the potential for reducing the costs of the Bull Hire Scheme. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226484,"EventID":"S3W-19876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether consideration was given to the quality of the bloodlines of the bulls purchased for use in the Bull Hire Scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether consideration was given to the quality of the bloodlines of the bulls purchased for use in the Bull Hire Scheme.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. I have asked the Chief Executive of the Crofters Commission to respond to you directly with the information you request. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226485,"EventID":"S3W-19877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what control it has over the quality of the bloodlines of bulls owned and offered for hire by private enterprises.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what control it has over the quality of the bloodlines of bulls owned and offered for hire by private enterprises.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no specific control over the quality of bloodlines of bulls offered for hire by private enterprises. However, successor arrangements could set baseline criteria for the hire animals that would attract assistance. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226486,"EventID":"S3W-19878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements there are for crofters to obtain a bull from the Crofters Commission at less than market rates in 2009; whether such arrangements are compliant with rul","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements there are for crofters to obtain a bull from the Crofters Commission at less than market rates in 2009; whether such arrangements are compliant with rules on state aid; whether they include help with the cost of the purchase price of a bull, and whether it will publish the arrangements.","AnswerText":"Successor arrangements for the present Bull Hire Scheme are under active consideration. In the meantime, it is envisaged that bulls from the existing stud should be made available in 2009 to groups of crofters which have hired a Scheme bull in the past three years. The Crofters Commission will invite expressions of interest from qualifying groups as soon as possible. The proposed charge of £500 per bull plus approximately £100 travel and VAT costs is equivalent to the cost of hiring a bull under the present Bull Hire Scheme. The group concerned would take ownership of the bull without further charge rather than returning it to the stud. No assistance is proposed for the purchase of bulls from elsewhere. This course of action is in line with State Aids de minimis arrangements. \r\n <","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226487,"EventID":"S3W-19879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects details on the arrangements for obtaining a bull from the Crofters Commission in 2009 to be made available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects details on the arrangements for obtaining a bull from the Crofters Commission in 2009 to be made available.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19878 on 30 January 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226488,"EventID":"S3W-19880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-17658 by Michael Russell on 14 November 2008, whether crofters will be entitled to funding, in the same financial year, toward the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-17658 by Michael Russell on 14 November 2008, whether crofters will be entitled to funding, in the same financial year, toward the cost of transporting a bull to service cattle when funding has already been provided in respect of an other bull.","AnswerText":"The successor arrangements to provide assistance have yet to be finalised. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226489,"EventID":"S3W-19881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3O-5488 by Nicola Sturgeon on 15 January 2009, what changes to the VAT rules other than the reduction of the standard rate will affect","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3O-5488 by Nicola Sturgeon on 15 January 2009, what changes to the VAT rules other than the reduction of the standard rate will affect NHS Grampian.","AnswerText":"In common with all of NHSScotland, NHS Grampian will be affected by changes to be made to the rules by which NHS bodies can reclaim VAT charged in respect of agency staff working within NHSScotland. The rules were previously changed for 2008-09 to remove the ability for NHS bodies to reclaim VAT on agency fees for medical staff. This is being further restricted in that NHS bodies will no longer be able to reclaim VAT on any other agency staff except for nursing from 2009-10. These restrictions may have a more significant impact with the additional change in respect of the removal from 1 April 2009 of a concession granted by HMRC that currently allows employment businesses to exclude the wages element from the calculation of VAT on the charges they make. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226490,"EventID":"S3W-19882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3O-5488 by Nicola Sturgeon on 15 January 2009, how much was paid at the standard rate of VAT by NHS Grampian in the last financial yea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3O-5488 by Nicola Sturgeon on 15 January 2009, how much was paid at the standard rate of VAT by NHS Grampian in the last financial year for which information is available.","AnswerText":"NHS Grampian has provided information on the value of Standard Rate VAT payments for the financial year 2007-08, the last financial year for which information is available. The total value of these payments is £25.396 million set against combined Resource Limits of £758.408 million (Revenue £729.245 million and Capital £29.163 million) for the same period. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226491,"EventID":"S3W-19883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3O-5488 by Nicola Sturgeon on 25 January 2009, what saving NHS Grampian can expect in relation to the reduction of the standard rate o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3O-5488 by Nicola Sturgeon on 25 January 2009, what saving NHS Grampian can expect in relation to the reduction of the standard rate of VAT without consideration of other changes to VAT rules.","AnswerText":"NHS Grampian has provided very broad estimates of potential changes to their costs. The reduction is estimated at £1.7 million (Revenue £1.4 million and Capital £0.3 million) during the financial year 2009‘10 as a result of this one specific temporary change to the standard rate of VAT. This is set against an estimated draft Resource Limit baseline budget of £699.6 million for 2009‘10 (Revenue £667.0 million and Capital £32.6 million). Care must be taken with these figures which are one in a number of recent changes to VAT legislation, some of which are a recurring cost to NHS organisations. These additional costs relate to VAT rules for agency fees for medical staff, restrictions on reclaimable VAT on other agency staff, except for nurses, and the removal of a concession that currently allows employment businesses to exclude the wages element from the calculation of VAT. This will have an estimated recurring impact for NHS Grampian up to £1.2 million. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226492,"EventID":"S3W-19884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19144 by Stewart Maxwell on 15 January 2009, how many households have been in temporary accommodation in the Lothians at the end of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19144 by Stewart Maxwell on 15 January 2009, how many households have been in temporary accommodation in the Lothians at the end of each quarter since April 2007, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"The information requested is available from table 38 of the detailed homelessness tables published on the Scottish Government website on 29 September 2008. The tables can be accessed at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Housing-Regeneration/DatasetHomeless0708. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226493,"EventID":"S3W-19885","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, following the notice on its website that consultation on draft guidelines for the Saltire Prize began on 5 January 2009, when it expects to publish the consultation pape","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, following the notice on its website that consultation on draft guidelines for the Saltire Prize began on 5 January 2009, when it expects to publish the consultation paper.","AnswerText":"The consultation paper will be published by 30 January 2009 and will remain open for a period of three months. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226494,"EventID":"S3W-19886","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Highlands and Islands Enterprise regarding the withdrawal of funding for the eight local sports councils in the Highland Council area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Highlands and Islands Enterprise regarding the withdrawal of funding for the eight local sports councils in the Highland Council area.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government engaged closely with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) as part of the process of reforming the organisation. As a result of these reforms, HIE''s resources are focused on those interventions that will have the maximum impact on the government''s purpose of increasing sustainable economic growth. No specific discussions regarding the withdrawal of funding to local sports councils have taken place with HIE. This is clearly an operational matter for HIE. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226495,"EventID":"S3W-19887","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent by Highlands and Islands Enterprise in (a) 2004-05, (b) 2005-06 (c), 2006-07, (d) 2007-08 and (e) 2008-09 to support local sports councils in the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent by Highlands and Islands Enterprise in (a) 2004-05, (b) 2005-06 (c), 2006-07, (d) 2007-08 and (e) 2008-09 to support local sports councils in the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"Details of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) spend to support local sports councils is an operational matter for HIE. I shall ask the Chief Executive of HIE to write to you in this regard. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226496,"EventID":"S3W-19888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the withdrawal of funding for local sports councils in the Highland Council area, whether alternative sources of funding have been determined between it, Hig","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the withdrawal of funding for local sports councils in the Highland Council area, whether alternative sources of funding have been determined between it, Highlands and Islands Enterprise or other local agencies to ensure the continuation of these sports councils.","AnswerText":"While Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) no longer provides generic funding to local area sports councils in the Highland Council area, any individual sports club able to make a persuasive case for growth and which would contribute to the objectives of GES would be welcome to approach HIE. In other cases, HIE staff will continue to provide positive referrals to alternative sources of funding, such as the lottery, local authorities, and the grant giving charitable sector. Where appropriate, referrals would also be made to sportscotland, where there are processes in place for any local sports council to make an application for funding, which would be handled accordingly. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226497,"EventID":"S3W-19889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were reported for breaching bail (a) through failure to appear and (b) conditions in the 12 months to 30 September 2008.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were reported for breaching bail (a) through failure to appear and (b) conditions in the 12 months to 30 September 2008.","AnswerText":"In the 12 months to 30 September 2008, 11,146 charges indicating breach of bail conditions were reported to procurators fiscal. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service database is a live operational database which mainly tracks the processing of the substantive charges received from the Police and Specialist Reporting Agencies. While additional charges for breaching bail through failure to appear may subsequently be added as a separate charge in individual cases, accurate and complete statistical information relating to such charges is not available. Notes: 1. The information relating to charges indicating breach of bail has been extracted from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service''s Case Management Database. The database is a live, operational database used to manage the processing of 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 database will 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 number of individuals charged or the number of incidents that gave rise to such charges. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank Mulholland","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226498,"EventID":"S3W-19890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3538,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will respond to the UK Government’s recent announcement to develop the high speed two rail line.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will respond to the UK Government’s recent announcement to develop the high speed two rail line.","AnswerText":" The Scottish Government will continue to engage with UK Ministers and other stakeholders to work towards achieving our long-term policy ambition of establishing a high-speed rail link between Scotland and London. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226499,"EventID":"S3W-19891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps Forestry Commission Scotland has been able to take to assist sawmills to meet the challenges of the credit crunch when demand for their products has been falli","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps Forestry Commission Scotland has been able to take to assist sawmills to meet the challenges of the credit crunch when demand for their products has been falling.","AnswerText":"On 28 November, we announced a package of measures, developed in consultation with the timber processing sector, to help the Scottish forestry industry face the current economic downturn including: Continuing where ever possible to operate normal contract and credit arrangements; Offering reasonable extensions to existing contracts; Enabling customers to work high priced contracts alongside more recently purchased lower priced contracts in order to reduce their impact on cashflow; Negotiating changes to payment profiles in exceptional circumstances; Continuing to offer sales plan volumes to the market to ensure continuity of supply and retention of skills; Setting sale reserves based on a realistic view of the market, and Ensuring that harvesting contractors and hauliers are paid promptly. We are also keeping the present difficult circumstances under constant review and remain committed to further action as necessary. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226500,"EventID":"S3W-19892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Forestry Commission Scotland considers it to be part of its responsibility to assist consumers of its raw materials to meet challenges arising from, and to surviv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Forestry Commission Scotland considers it to be part of its responsibility to assist consumers of its raw materials to meet challenges arising from, and to survive, the credit crunch.","AnswerText":"The Forestry Commission has no statutory responsibility to assist its customers to meet the challenges arising from the economic downturn but will always try to help if possible. For example, on 28 November a package of measures was announced to help the Scottish forestry industry face the current economic downturn including: Continuing where ever possible to operate normal contract and credit arrangements; Offering reasonable extensions to existing contracts; Enabling customers to work high priced contracts alongside more recently purchased lower priced contracts in order to reduce their impact on cash flow; Negotiating changes to payment profiles in exceptional circumstances; Continuing to offer sales plan volumes to the market to ensure continuity of supply and retention of skills; Setting sale reserves based on a realistic view of the market, and Ensuring that harvesting contractors and hauliers are paid promptly. We are also keeping the present difficult circumstances under constant review and remain committed to further action as necessary. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226501,"EventID":"S3W-19893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what decisions are made on the basis of single outcome agreement outcomes and targets.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what decisions are made on the basis of single outcome agreement outcomes and targets.","AnswerText":"A single outcome agreement (SOA) is the means by which Community Planning Partnerships agree their strategic priorities, either individually or jointly, while showing how those outcomes should contribute to the Scottish Government''s relevant National Outcomes. Monitoring against targets and indicators in the SOA will therefore drive a range of decisions at local and national level to support delivery of the agreed outcomes. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226502,"EventID":"S3W-19894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration of the environmental effects of achieving local outcomes was required when developing single outcome agreements.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration of the environmental effects of achieving local outcomes was required when developing single outcome agreements.","AnswerText":"The single outcome agreements (SOA) reflected the strategic priorities agreed by the local authority in its area while taking account of the local context. Therefore it was for each local authority to determine its own local outcomes and, in doing so, to take account of any relevant environmental effects. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226503,"EventID":"S3W-19895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers single outcome agreements to be qualifying plans, programmes or strategies for the purposes of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 and, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers single outcome agreements to be qualifying plans, programmes or strategies for the purposes of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 and, if not, what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"It is for each Responsible Authority within Scotland to establish whether the public plans or programmes it is responsible for producing, fall within the scope of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226504,"EventID":"S3W-19896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any strategic environmental assessments of single outcome agreements have been carried out and, if so, of which agreements.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any strategic environmental assessments of single outcome agreements have been carried out and, if so, of which agreements.","AnswerText":"We have no record of any Strategic Environmental Assessments having been carried out for Single Outcome Agreements to date. However, North Ayrshire Council did submit a screening request to the Consultation Authorities, which may be viewed as the first step towards possible assessment. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226505,"EventID":"S3W-19897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18978 by Stewart Stevenson on 14 January 2009, what arrangements are in place for local authorities to receive funding from Scottis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18978 by Stewart Stevenson on 14 January 2009, what arrangements are in place for local authorities to receive funding from Scottish ministers for investment in non-trunk roads.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government provides local authorities with funding for local roads and transport through the core local government finance settlement and each council is responsible for the maintenance and improvement of local roads in its area. It is entirely a matter for councils to decide what priority is given to local roads and to allocate resources accordingly. In some instances projects will be progressed jointly. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226506,"EventID":"S3W-19898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18978 by Stewart Stevenson on 14 January 2009, whether any improvements to the junction of the A90 and A96 trunk roads at the Hauda","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18978 by Stewart Stevenson on 14 January 2009, whether any improvements to the junction of the A90 and A96 trunk roads at the Haudagain roundabout will be funded by Scottish ministers after the de-trunking of the A90 between Charleston and Blackdog and, if so, what the funding method will be.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has assumed responsibility for improvements to the Haudagain roundabout. If the improvements are still underway on the date of the road being detrunked, we will undertake to pay for the completion. The method of funding could take a variety of forms. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226507,"EventID":"S3W-19899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18978 by Stewart Stevenson on 14 January 2009, whether it will give support to Aberdeen City Council for improvements to the juncti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18978 by Stewart Stevenson on 14 January 2009, whether it will give support to Aberdeen City Council for improvements to the junction of the A90 and A96 trunk roads following the de-trunking of the A90 between Charleston and Blackdog.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19898 on 6 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226508,"EventID":"S3W-19900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18978 by Stewart Stevenson on 14 January 2009, whether the de-trunking of the A90 between Charleston and Blackdog is conditional on","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18978 by Stewart Stevenson on 14 January 2009, whether the de-trunking of the A90 between Charleston and Blackdog is conditional on the local authority carrying out improvements at the junction of the A90 and A96.","AnswerText":"No. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226509,"EventID":"S3W-19901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18978 by Stewart Stevenson on 14 January 2009 and the commitment made by the First Minister in The Press and Journal on 18 December","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18978 by Stewart Stevenson on 14 January 2009 and the commitment made by the First Minister in The Press and Journal on 18 December 2008 that “roundabout improvements will be paid for and delivered before the road is de-trunked”, whether it expects improvements at the junction of the A90 and A96 trunk roads to be paid for and delivered between the date of completion of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route and the following 1 April and, if so, when contracts for this work will need to be placed.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19898 on 6 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226510,"EventID":"S3W-19902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18978 by Stewart Stevenson on 14 January 2009 and the commitment made by the First Minister in The Press and Journal on 18 December","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18978 by Stewart Stevenson on 14 January 2009 and the commitment made by the First Minister in The Press and Journal on 18 December 2008 that “It will not be (down to) Aberdeen city. It will be the Scottish Government that will do the work and then it will be handed over as an improved roundabout”, when work at the junction of the A90 and A96 trunk roads is expected to (a) begin and (b) be completed.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19898 on 6 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226511,"EventID":"S3W-19903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18978 by Stewart Stevenson on 14 January 2009 and the comment made by the First Minister in The Press and Journal on 18 December 20","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18978 by Stewart Stevenson on 14 January 2009 and the comment made by the First Minister in The Press and Journal on 18 December 2008 that “the work will be done but let's get the bypass done first, it would be daft to do it the other way round”, whether work on improvements to the junction of A90 and A96 trunk roads at the Haudagain roundabout will begin before, during or after completion of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19898 on 6 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226512,"EventID":"S3W-19904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the European Commission regarding funding for the Forth Replacement Crossing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the European Commission regarding funding for the Forth Replacement Crossing.","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland secured its submission of an application for funding under the Trans-European Network (TEN-T) scheme by the Department of Transport in June 2008. The Department for Transport have responsibility in the UK for TEN-T funding applications. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226513,"EventID":"S3W-19905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it took to explore the use of European funds in relation to the funding of the Forth Replacement Crossing and for what reasons this was not successful, as ind","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it took to explore the use of European funds in relation to the funding of the Forth Replacement Crossing and for what reasons this was not successful, as indicated by the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change on 15 January 2009 (Official Report c. 14133).","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland secured the submission of an application for Trans-European Network (TEN-T) funding by the Department for Transport (DfT) as one of the two applications that they made for UK projects in 2008. The application was for support for the feasibility study element of the project. In November we were informed by DfT that the application had been rejected on the grounds that the EC would rather give their support to projects with committed costs over a three year period. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226514,"EventID":"S3W-19906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has commissioned a tender for the design and preparation of the construction operation for the Forth Replacement Crossing and whether this tender will be separ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has commissioned a tender for the design and preparation of the construction operation for the Forth Replacement Crossing and whether this tender will be separate from the construction contract, as indicated by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth to the Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee on 15 January 2008 (Official Report c. 362).","AnswerText":"Yes. A Contract for the Multi-Disciplinary Management Consultancy Commission for the design and preparation of the Forth replacement crossing was awarded in January 2008. This is separate from the construction contract which has yet to be procured. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226515,"EventID":"S3W-19907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has changed its plans for contracting the design, preparation and construction of the Forth Replacement Crossing and, if so, for what reasons.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has changed its plans for contracting the design, preparation and construction of the Forth Replacement Crossing and, if so, for what reasons.","AnswerText":"I announced our plans for contracting the construction of the Forth Replacement Crossing on 10 December 2008 and these plans have not changed. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226516,"EventID":"S3W-19908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the reduction in the cost estimate for the Forth Replacement Crossing is due to its choice of funding mechanism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the reduction in the cost estimate for the Forth Replacement Crossing is due to its choice of funding mechanism.","AnswerText":"The quoted range of outturn prices for the project represents the estimate of the cost for the delivery of the project by the most efficient procurement means. The choice of procurement options other than a publicly funded design and build contract would increase the cost above this level and reduce the certainty of delivery. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226517,"EventID":"S3W-19909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence exists to show that the reduction in the cost estimate for the Forth Replacement Crossing is due to its choice of funding mechanism, as indicated by the Min","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence exists to show that the reduction in the cost estimate for the Forth Replacement Crossing is due to its choice of funding mechanism, as indicated by the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change during the Forth Crossing debate on 15 January 2009 (Official Report c.14132).","AnswerText":"The value for money of a range of funding and procurement options was tested by Transport Scotland and their consultants using the prevailing view of the cost of finance in autumn 2008. Both a design and build contract with conventional funding and a PPP/NPD privately financed contract were considered to provide good value for money. Changes to government accounting practice to be introduced by the UK Government in April 2009 had made the latter unaffordable whilst the adverse effect of the financial market since last autumn provides evidence to question the likely value for money that might be achieved from using private funding within the timescale of promoting this competition. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226518,"EventID":"S3W-19910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18821 by Stewart Stevenson on 14 January 2009, whether the reduction in the cost estimate for the Forth Replacement Crossing is who","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18821 by Stewart Stevenson on 14 January 2009, whether the reduction in the cost estimate for the Forth Replacement Crossing is wholly attributable to the reduced width of the bridge, the use of ITS and more refined estimating in light of further detailed surveys, investigations and design development.","AnswerText":"The new proposals come within an outturn price range of £1.7 billion to £2.3 billion, an average saving of around £1.7 billion on the previous estimate of £3.2 billion to £4.2 billion. This has come principally from: 1. the reduced cost for the new bridge, which with the use of the existing bridge for public transport, has allowed the full functionality originally announced for the crossing in a narrower structure [25% price reduction], and 2. a reduction in the extent of road construction through the use of Intelligent Transport Systems [50% price reduction]. The overall reduction to the base costing from these elements is 35% within a total reduction of 44%. The remaining savings come from refinements in risk and optimism bias which has been possible as a result of the additional survey, investigations and design which have been undertaken. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226519,"EventID":"S3W-19911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of how the Scottish Futures Trust will be actively engaged with Transport Scotland and its advisers on all its major road and rail projects, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of how the Scottish Futures Trust will be actively engaged with Transport Scotland and its advisers on all its major road and rail projects, including the Forth Replacement Crossing, as indicated by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth during the Forth Crossing debate on 15 January 2009 (Official Report c.14090).","AnswerText":"The Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) is already actively engaged with Transport Scotland as sponsors of a number of major projects including the Forth replacement crossing. The SFT will continue to provide expert advice to Transport Scotland, as it does to other parts of the public sector, on all aspects of the delivery and funding of infrastructure. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226520,"EventID":"S3W-19912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it would cost to build a multi-modal element into the Forth Replacement Crossing during construction.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it would cost to build a multi-modal element into the Forth Replacement Crossing during construction.","AnswerText":"The additional cost of the third corridor to accommodate multimodal traffic, which was part of the original proposal announced in December 2007, were put at between £450 million and £580 million in 2016 outturn prices. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226521,"EventID":"S3W-19913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it would cost to adapt the hard shoulder of the Forth Replacement Crossing into multi-modal capacity after the bridge has been constructed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it would cost to adapt the hard shoulder of the Forth Replacement Crossing into multi-modal capacity after the bridge has been constructed.","AnswerText":"The hard shoulder which forms part of the current proposals for the replacement crossing will have built in the capability of carrying multimodal public transport should there be some future reason why this cannot be accommodated on the existing Forth road bridge. The cost of this is included in the £1.7 billion to £2.3 billion cost estimate announced in December 2008. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226522,"EventID":"S3W-19914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2641,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":28,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Housing Regulator anticipates that the Hebridean Housing Partnership will have provided the necessary information about its financial plans to the Scott","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Housing Regulator anticipates that the Hebridean Housing Partnership will have provided the necessary information about its financial plans to the Scottish Government for consideration.","AnswerText":"I have asked Karen Watt, Chief Executive of the Scottish Housing Regulator to respond. Her response is as follows: The regulator has received a range of information from the Partnership to allow it to assess the partnership''s financial plans. Following the receipt on 12 January 2009 of financial information requested from the partnership, the regulator provided the Partnership with a confidential draft of its inspection report on 19 January 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226523,"EventID":"S3W-19915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) pig, (b) sheep, (c) dairy cattle, (d) beef cattle, (e) poultry (broiler chickens, ducks and turkeys), (f) laying hen and (g) other farmed animal units underw","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) pig, (b) sheep, (c) dairy cattle, (d) beef cattle, (e) poultry (broiler chickens, ducks and turkeys), (f) laying hen and (g) other farmed animal units underwent farm animal welfare inspections by Animal Health in (i) 2007 and (ii) 2008, also expressed as a percentage of each category.","AnswerText":"Details of animal welfare inspections undertaken in Scotland by Animal Health are given in the following table: | 2007 | Pig | Sheep | Dairy Cattle | Beef Cattle | Poultry | Laying Hens | Others | | Number | 79 | 345 | 36 | 338 | 49 | 35 | 18 | | % | 11 | 2 | 1.7 | 3.4 | 2.6 | 4.2 | * | | 2008 | Pig | Sheep | Dairy Cattle | Beef Cattle | Poultry | Laying Hens | Others | | Number | 106 | 437 | 84 | 421 | 39 | 42 | 31 | | % | 15 | 3 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 2 | 5.1 | * | Note: *As there is no requirement for many of the other types of livestock to register, accurate figures for the number of holdings are not available, therefore it is not possible to give a percentage. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226524,"EventID":"S3W-19916","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many farm animal welfare inspections undertaken by Animal Health on (a) pig, (b) sheep, (c) dairy cattle, (d) beef cattle, (e) poultry (broiler chickens, ducks and tu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many farm animal welfare inspections undertaken by Animal Health on (a) pig, (b) sheep, (c) dairy cattle, (d) beef cattle, (e) poultry (broiler chickens, ducks and turkeys), (f) laying hen and (g) other farmed animal units were for (i) monitoring compliance with EU animal welfare regulations, (ii) assessing cross-compliance for single farm payments, (iii) investigating complaints about animal welfare and (iv) any other purpose in (A) 2007 and (B) 2008.","AnswerText":"Details of animal welfare inspections undertaken in Scotland by Animal Health are given in the following table: | 2007 | Pig | Sheep | Dairy Cattle | Beef Cattle | Poultry | Laying Hens | Others | | SFP Cross Compliance | 15 | 122 | 12 | 117 | 4 | 5 | 3 | | Complaints | 10 | 86 | 10 | 59 | 0 | 6 | 2 | | Other | 54 | 137 | 14 | 162 | 45 | 24 | 13 | | Total | 79 | 345 | 36 | 338 | 49 | 35 | 18 | | 2008 | Pig | Sheep | Dairy Cattle | Beef Cattle | Poultry | Laying Hens | Others | | SFP Cross Compliance | 20 | 130 | 47 | 150 | 7 | 8 | 5 | | Complaints | 5 | 65 | 7 | 45 | 2 | 2 | 0 | | Other | 81 | 242 | A resident who is unhappy with an increase in pitch fees should ask the site owner if they are prepared to make changes to that part of the agreement. If the site owner refuses, the resident can apply to the sheriff court, or to an arbiter, to ask for the changes to be made. In addition, residents who are in dispute with site owners who are members of either of the relevant trade bodies representing the parks industry “ the British Holiday and Home Parks Association and the National Caravan Council “ can seek conciliation from either body. If this fails the trade bodies may suggest reference to the Independent Consumer Redress Service (ICRS) which is an independent mediation or arbitration process allowing access to low cost and speedy consumer redress using standard models of conciliation and arbitration. The 1983 act does not apply to sites which have a licence for holiday use only. This means that people who live on such sites, even if occupying a caravan or mobile home as their main residence in breach of a site''s licence or planning permission, do not have the statutory protection of the act. People who rent pitches on holiday sites for accommodation rather than leisure purposes will have certain rights under common law. However, common law does not impose any restrictions on the amount of rent the site owner can charge for the mobile home and/or pitch, or restrict how often the site owner can increase these charges. A holiday caravan owner''s rights will be contained within a licence agreement agreed with the site owner. The trade bodies have also agreed a joint code of practice for holiday homes, which covers pitch fees and offers a complaints procedure for objecting to increases. If complaints arise that cannot be resolved between the parties then the trade bodies will offer conciliation and if this fails suggest reference to the ICRS. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226526,"EventID":"S3W-19918","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it is making available to Dumfries and Galloway Council for the control of seagulls and whether it has placed conditions on the use of this funding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it is making available to Dumfries and Galloway Council for the control of seagulls and whether it has placed conditions on the use of this funding.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is considering funding the trial use of a falcon to deter gulls from the centre of Dumfries. A decision will be made in due course. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226527,"EventID":"S3W-19919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what central and local government funding streams are available to the Central Scotland Forest Trust for planting new woodlands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what central and local government funding streams are available to the Central Scotland Forest Trust for planting new woodlands.","AnswerText":"Managers and owners of eligible woodlands within the Central Scotland Forest Trust area can apply for grant-aid generally available under the Scottish Rural Development Programme e.g. Forestry Challenge Funds, Forestry Options under Rural Development Contracts. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226528,"EventID":"S3W-19920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what central and local government funding streams are available to the Glasgow and Clyde Green Valley Network.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what central and local government funding streams are available to the Glasgow and Clyde Green Valley Network.","AnswerText":"There is a range of central government funding streams from which bodies such as the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network may benefit. This includes grant-aid under the Scottish Rural Development Programme (e.g. Forestry Challenge Funds, Forestry Options under Rural Development Contracts) for eligible woodlands within the network area. In addition, the Government provides funding to Greenspace Scotland, one of whose purposes is to support a Scotland-wide network of greenspace partnerships and organisations. The Scottish Government is providing local authorities with a total funding package this year and next amounting to £22.8 billion. The vast majority of this funding will be provided by means of a block grant. It is the responsibility of each local authority to allocate the total financial resources available to it on the basis of local needs and priorities having first fulfilled its statutory obligations and the jointly agreed set of national and local priorities. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226529,"EventID":"S3W-19921","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether charitable trusts that own land can apply to the Scotland Rural Development Programme for funding for the creation of new woodlands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether charitable trusts that own land can apply to the Scotland Rural Development Programme for funding for the creation of new woodlands.","AnswerText":"Land owners can register their business and land within the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) which allows them to become eligible for payments from the Scotland Rural Development Programme funding mechanisms. It does not matter whether they are a charitable trust or a commercial enterprise so long as they have legal tenure of the land and are prepared to sign up to a contract with the Scottish Government. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226530,"EventID":"S3W-19922","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Forestry Challenge Funds are part of the Scotland Rural Development Programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Forestry Challenge Funds are part of the Scotland Rural Development Programme.","AnswerText":"Yes. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226531,"EventID":"S3W-19923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Forestry Challenge Funds include the Woods In and Around Towns initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Forestry Challenge Funds include the Woods In and Around Towns initiative.","AnswerText":"The Woods In and Around Towns (WIAT) initiative comprises a general focus for Forestry Commission Scotland''s work on improving quality of life in towns and cities, by creating new woodland, bringing neglected woodland into active management, and working with people to help them use their local woodland. WIAT initiative includes the WIAT Challenge fund which aims to bring urban woodland into sustainable management and improve recreation facilities by carrying out agreed programmes of work. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226532,"EventID":"S3W-19924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funding is available through rural development contracts for the Woods In and Around Towns initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funding is available through rural development contracts for the Woods In and Around Towns initiative.","AnswerText":"Yes. Grants for urban woodland creation and management are available through Rural Development Contracts. In addition, the Woods In and Around Towns Challenge Fund and the Forestry for People Challenge Fund offer support for woodland-based projects. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226533,"EventID":"S3W-19925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of whether additional funds in sterling could have been accrued through revaluation of Scotland’s allocation of the European Social Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of whether additional funds in sterling could have been accrued through revaluation of Scotland’s allocation of the European Social Fund.","AnswerText":"The value of the Scottish European Social Fund (ESF) programmes is set in euros. The total euro allocation for the 2007 to 2013 H&I ESF programme was ‚¬52,150,195. The total euro allocation for the 2007 to 2013 LUPS ESF programme was ‚¬269,920,942. All requests for repayments by countries go to the Commission in euros and are paid in euros. As the exchange rate between the euro and sterling fluctuates, the value of these programmes and the amounts repaid by the Commission also fluctuates and are calculated in sterling monthly using a rate provided by the European Commission. The Scottish Government bears the exchange rate risk from the date when funds are allocated to a project up to the point at which the project has run and their claim for re-imbursement has been paid by the managing authority. At that point the exchange rate is locked at the European Commission rate applicable to the month of payment. It is therefore very important for organisations awarded ESF grants, such as the Community Planning Partnerships, to spend and claim to agreed timescales. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226534,"EventID":"S3W-19926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the proposed merger of NHS Quality Improvement Scotland, the Care Commission and the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland is being progressed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the proposed merger of NHS Quality Improvement Scotland, the Care Commission and the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland is being progressed.","AnswerText":"The proposal to establish two new scrutiny bodies covering health, mental welfare, care and social work was announced as part of the package of scrutiny changes by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth on 6 November. The legislative provisions for the new bodies will be taken forward in the Public Services Reform Bill which will be introduced in Parliament in the spring. A project team has been set up within Scottish Government to take forward the work required to establish the two new bodies. As part of the project an engagement and consultation process has been established. That process is underway and includes a number of focus groups and stakeholder events. This will enable the views of both internal and external stakeholders, including the bodies affected, to be considered as the legislative proposals are developed. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226535,"EventID":"S3W-19927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding mechanism will be used in each of the new capital projects under the responsibility of the Scottish Police Services Authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding mechanism will be used in each of the new capital projects under the responsibility of the Scottish Police Services Authority.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Police Services Authority receives funding in the form of Grant-In-Aid from the Scottish Government. This Grant-In-Aid funds both capital projects and revenue expenditure. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226536,"EventID":"S3W-19928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1820,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":12,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Glasgow Housing Association has spent on public relations and public affairs over the last two years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Glasgow Housing Association has spent on public relations and public affairs over the last two years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226537,"EventID":"S3W-19929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1820,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":12,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Scottish Enterprise has spent on public relations and public affairs over the last two years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Scottish Enterprise has spent on public relations and public affairs over the last two years.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. I will ask its chief executive to write to you in this regard. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226538,"EventID":"S3W-19930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to review the screening of prisoners for autism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to review the screening of prisoners for autism.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) does not currently routinely screen prisoners for autistic spectrum disorder. The SPS is assisting the University of Edinburgh and the charity Research Autism in their project to test the validity of a new screening instrument for autistic spectrum disorder in a number of establishments. Further, the SPS has reviewed its service provision for learning disability and difficulties and is seeking to implement an improved alerting process to identify such people in custody. We intend to achieve this through improvements in use of available information and broadening the routes into assessment and care pathways. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226539,"EventID":"S3W-19931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people aged (a) under 18 and (b) 18 and over are recorded as having a condition on the autistic spectrum, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people aged (a) under 18 and (b) 18 and over are recorded as having a condition on the autistic spectrum, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"People with autism spectrum disorder are most likely to be diagnosed in an out-patient clinic and managed in the community or general practice. Diagnostic information for patients attending outpatient clinics is not available centrally. However, data on pupils with autism in state funded schools, identified in the 2007 census, is available in tables 1.7 and 1.9 in the statistical bulletin on the government website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/07/28100032/0. Data on pupils with autism in the independent sector in 2007 is available in tables 1.4 and 1.6 in the Independent School Census, September 2007, on the government website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/04/29101007/0. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226540,"EventID":"S3W-19932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the effectiveness of coordinated support plans under the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 in meeting the needs of yo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the effectiveness of coordinated support plans under the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 in meeting the needs of young people with autism.","AnswerText":"Her Majesty''s Inspectorate of Education reported on the consistency, effectiveness and efficiency of education authorities in implementing the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 in November 2007. The report identified the need to improve the consistency with which the legislation surrounding co-ordinated support plans is interpreted. This includes co-ordinated support plans for children and young people with autism. I have asked officials to convene a short term working group to advise on co-ordinated support plan related matters and help facilitate the development of any further guidance or training. The group has held its first meeting. The key aim is to provide advice on how to improve the effectiveness of co-ordinated support plans for all children and young people who require them including those with autism. The initial outcomes of the group are expected to be available around spring 2009. The government will also soon publish The Autism Toolbox, an autism resource for Scottish local authorities and schools. This draws on a range of advice, experience and research to support education authorities and school staff to manage the day to day practice of supporting and teaching pupils with autism. The resource highlights the importance of multi-agency working including the preparation of co-ordinated support plans and considers the role of different professionals in supporting children with autism and their families. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Adam Ingram","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226541,"EventID":"S3W-19933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied with the transition arrangements for people with autism from services for children and young people to adult services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied with the transition arrangements for people with autism from services for children and young people to adult services.","AnswerText":"Robust transition arrangements should be in place for all children and young people moving to adult services, including those with autism. Specifically, the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 requires education authorities to take action, where appropriate, to help young people with additional support needs, including autism, to make the transition from school to post-school life successfully. However, while there is evidence of much good practice, there is always room for improvement. That is why we have taken action on a number of fronts to strengthen transition pathways and improve life outcomes for all young people with autism. For example, we will publish shortly The Autism Toolbox for practitioners which will include planning for personal transitions and more effective multi-agency working for future service provision. We will fund an Additional Support for Learning Transitions Development Officer, who will be in place by April 2009. The officer will manage and co-ordinate local and national partnership approaches with a specific focus on successful transition for all young people at risk of missing out on education and training opportunities. In 2008, the Scottish Government published guidance for commissioners of health and social care services for people with autism. It addresses the need for appropriate services for young people during the transition to adulthood and provides examples of existing good practice. Our focus on personalisation through the Changing Lives work, encourages service providers to work with people in determining the supports they need at transition to help achieve the best social outcomes and inform future adult service provision. The Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability, funded by the Scottish Government is currently advertising a new post to build and sustain capacity across agencies to increase the number of people with learning disabilities and autism in employment. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Adam Ingram","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226542,"EventID":"S3W-19934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that local authorities and NHS boards record and share information on the number of people with autism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that local authorities and NHS boards record and share information on the number of people with autism.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government published guidance for commissioners of health and social care services in 2008 recommending that local authorities and health boards should work together to identify and keep a record of people on the autism spectrum in their area. The eSAY project has been developed to ensure information about people with learning disabilities or autism spectrum disorders is recorded and measured in the same way across Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226543,"EventID":"S3W-19935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3O-5404 by Linda Fabiani on 8 January 2009, whether it will provide details of the Glasgow 2014 working group at which it has been rep","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3O-5404 by Linda Fabiani on 8 January 2009, whether it will provide details of the Glasgow 2014 working group at which it has been represented and at which the development of the cultural programme that will accompany the 2014 Commonwealth games was discussed, including (a) the name of the group, (b) its membership and (c) the dates of any meetings held since November 2007.","AnswerText":"To secure a lasting legacy for Scotland as a whole and effective cross government input, the Scottish Government has established the following six legacy groups: Healthier, Wealthier and Fairer, Safer and Stronger, Smarter, Greener and Sport. Cultural interests are specifically represented on the Smarter group whose emphasis is on learning, culture and volunteering. The Smarter group met on 30 June 2008, 18 August 2008 and 18 September 2008. The group is chaired by the Scottish Arts Council and the membership includes: Learning and Teaching Scotland, VOCAL, Youth Scotland, Culture and Sport Glasgow, Volunteer Development Scotland, Scottish Qualifications Authority, Museums Galleries Scotland, ADES, North Ayrshire Council, Equality and Human Rights Commission and the Scottish Government. In addition, the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee, in partnership with Culture and Sport Glasgow, is the lead organisation in terms of the planning and delivery of the 2014 Glasgow''s Commonwealth Games. Culture and Sport Glasgow have established the 2014 Creative Group to develop ideas for the content of the 2010 Delhi Flag handover ceremony and the wider cultural programme to accompany the 2014 games. The membership of the group has not yet been finalised, but will include Scottish Government representation. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Linda Fabiani","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226544,"EventID":"S3W-19936","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3O-5404 by Linda Fabiani on 8 January 2009, whether it will detail the contact it has had with representatives of the Australian state","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3O-5404 by Linda Fabiani on 8 January 2009, whether it will detail the contact it has had with representatives of the Australian state of Victoria, either directly or through the Glasgow 2014 working group, regarding the cultural programme that accompanied the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne and the legacy derived from it.","AnswerText":"During 2008, Scottish Government officials have met with representatives of the Australian State of Victoria on two occasions: with the Governor of the State of Victoria in April 2008, and with the Agent-General for the State Government of Victoria in October 2008. The meetings concentrated on the technical and legacy aspects of successful Games delivery as adopted during the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games. In addition, a representative of Culture and Sport Glasgow met with relevant officials in the State of Victoria in relation to the cultural legacy aspects of the games. I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19937 on 2 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Linda Fabiani","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226545,"EventID":"S3W-19937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3O-5404 by Linda Fabiani on 8 January 2009, whether it will provide details of the international examples that it is studying and taki","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3O-5404 by Linda Fabiani on 8 January 2009, whether it will provide details of the international examples that it is studying and taking account of, either directly or through the Glasgow 2014 working group, in relation to the preparation of the cultural programme that will accompany the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government and key partners are currently developing the detail of Scotland''s cultural legacy programme. As part of this work, the recently appointed Creative Programmer, based at the Scottish Arts Council, is studying the research and evaluation documents relating to both Olympic and Commonwealth Games in cities including, Sydney, Melbourne and Barcelona. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Linda Fabiani","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226546,"EventID":"S3W-19938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S3W-19114 and S3W-8632 by Linda Fabiani on 7 January 2009 and 31 January 2008 respectively, when it began to examine the scope to rat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S3W-19114 and S3W-8632 by Linda Fabiani on 7 January 2009 and 31 January 2008 respectively, when it began to examine the scope to rationalise and streamline the activities of the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments, Historic Scotland and the National Archives of Scotland and when it expects to conclude this exercise.","AnswerText":"The First Minister announced the examination of the scope to rationalise historic archival, recording and scheduling functions and for streamlining the activities of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland, Historic Scotland and the National Archives of Scotland in January 2008. Consideration is on-going with the three organisations involved, all of which have regular contact with core government officials and the minister. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Linda Fabiani","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226547,"EventID":"S3W-19939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19114 by Linda Fabiani on 7 January 2009, how often it has met representatives of the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Mo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19114 by Linda Fabiani on 7 January 2009, how often it has met representatives of the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments, Historic Scotland and the National Archives of Scotland as part of its examination of the scope to rationalise and streamline the activities of these organisations.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19938 on 2 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Linda Fabiani","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226548,"EventID":"S3W-19940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19114 by Linda Fabiani on 7 January 2009, when it expects to report on the outcome of its examination into the scope to rationalise","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19114 by Linda Fabiani on 7 January 2009, when it expects to report on the outcome of its examination into the scope to rationalise and streamline the activities of the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments, Historic Scotland and the National Archives of Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19938 on 2 February 2009. All answers to written questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Linda Fabiani","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226549,"EventID":"S3W-19941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18205 by Stewart Maxwell on 4 December 2008, what measures it is using to determine the insulation and energy efficiency measures i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18205 by Stewart Maxwell on 4 December 2008, what measures it is using to determine the insulation and energy efficiency measures initially to be included in the Energy Assistance Package.","AnswerText":"Evidence is being gathered, including from discussions with a range of stakeholders, on the practicality, cost and impacts of different insulation and energy efficiency measures for different types of housing. This will inform ministers'' choice of the measures to be included initially in the Energy Assistance Package, likely to be finalised around the end of February. We also intend to monitor the impacts once the package is in place and keep the range of measures under review in the light of experience. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226550,"EventID":"S3W-19942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18205 by Stewart Maxwell on 4 December 2008, whether it is giving particular consideration to ways of addressing fuel poverty in te","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18205 by Stewart Maxwell on 4 December 2008, whether it is giving particular consideration to ways of addressing fuel poverty in tenements and tower blocks as part of its work in determining what measures will initially be included in the Energy Assistance Package.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19941 on 27 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226551,"EventID":"S3W-19943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18205 by Stewart Maxwell on 4 December 2008, whether it is considering under-floor insulation for houses with basements as one of t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18205 by Stewart Maxwell on 4 December 2008, whether it is considering under-floor insulation for houses with basements as one of the measures initially to be included in the Energy Assistance Package.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19941 on 27 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226552,"EventID":"S3W-19944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18205 by Stewart Maxwell on 4 December 2008, when it expects to be able to provide information on the insulation and energy efficie","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18205 by Stewart Maxwell on 4 December 2008, when it expects to be able to provide information on the insulation and energy efficiency measures initially to be included in the Energy Assistance Package.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19941 on 27 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226553,"EventID":"S3W-19945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18205 by Stewart Maxwell on 4 December 2008, and following the introduction of the Energy Assistance Package, whether it intends to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18205 by Stewart Maxwell on 4 December 2008, and following the introduction of the Energy Assistance Package, whether it intends to trial alternative measures that could be added, at a later date, to the package of measures offered.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19941 on 27 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226554,"EventID":"S3W-19946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S3W-18204, S3W-18198 and S3W 18199 by Stewart Maxwell on 3 and 5 December 2008 respectively, when it expects to announce the allocati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S3W-18204, S3W-18198 and S3W 18199 by Stewart Maxwell on 3 and 5 December 2008 respectively, when it expects to announce the allocation of resources to deliver the Energy Assistance Package.","AnswerText":"We announced in November that £55.8 million will be available for delivering the Energy Assistance Package for 2009-10, and in the Budget Bill in January that an additional £5 million will be allocated to tackling fuel poverty. The allocation of resources for the different elements of the Energy Assistance Package is being finalised and will be agreed before the package commences in April. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226555,"EventID":"S3W-19947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18203 by Stewart Maxwell on 3 December 2008, whether a decision has been made on including the issue of top-up funding, low interes","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18203 by Stewart Maxwell on 3 December 2008, whether a decision has been made on including the issue of top-up funding, low interest loans or equity release schemes, as a way to augment the Energy Assistance Package in the Scottish Government’s forthcoming consultation of issues related to the energy efficiency of housing and when it expects to launch the consultation.","AnswerText":"The issue of loans or equity release schemes goes wider than the Energy Assistance Package and involves a number of issues requiring detailed consideration. Thought is being given to how best to proceed in time for the forthcoming consultation. The consultation paper will be published later in the year. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226556,"EventID":"S3W-19948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made toward finalising a wheelchair and seating service modernisation action plan.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made toward finalising a wheelchair and seating service modernisation action plan.","AnswerText":"The NHS Wheelchair and Seating Services Modernisation: An Action Plan has been approved by ministers and will be published shortly. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226557,"EventID":"S3W-19949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in developing the cultural site at Granton.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in developing the cultural site at Granton.","AnswerText":"The process of site purchase has been completed subject to development conditions, and options are being considered for development of the site. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Linda Fabiani","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226558,"EventID":"S3W-19950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what external advice it has taken on the best way to deliver the services currently provided by the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what external advice it has taken on the best way to deliver the services currently provided by the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments.","AnswerText":"No external consultants have been involved in the assessment of options. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Linda Fabiani","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226559,"EventID":"S3W-19951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will carry out a public consultation exercise before coming to a definitive view on the future of the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will carry out a public consultation exercise before coming to a definitive view on the future of the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments.","AnswerText":"The government has received a number of letters from stakeholders and these views have been taken into account in assessing the options for simplification. We continue to welcome the views of stakeholders who submit these in correspondence. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Linda Fabiani","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226560,"EventID":"S3W-19952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its budget allocation will be to the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments in each of the next three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its budget allocation will be to the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments in each of the next three years.","AnswerText":"The budget allocation for the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland is £4,553,000 in 2009-10 and £4,445,000 in 2010-11. No budget has yet been agreed for 2011-12 as this falls into the next spending review period. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Linda Fabiani","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226561,"EventID":"S3W-19953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments will retain its charitable status following any rationalisation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments will retain its charitable status following any rationalisation.","AnswerText":"Charitable status for any organisation is dependent on eligibility as assessed by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Linda Fabiani","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226562,"EventID":"S3W-19954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it provides to healthy living centres.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it provides to healthy living centres.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government established a transition fund of up to £2.5 million in February 2008 to help those healthy living centres at risk of closure, due to funding shortfalls as a result of the ending of their Big Lottery funding, to maintain their activities while they sought to achieve a long term sustainable future. The transition fund is administered by health boards. To date, 22 January 2009, 23 healthy living centres have received a total of £1,922,137. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226563,"EventID":"S3W-19955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much support it anticipates offering to healthy living centres in 2009-10.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much support it anticipates offering to healthy living centres in 2009-10.","AnswerText":"Discussions are currently on-going regarding how much support will be offered during 2009-10. Further decisions will need to be determined once budget positions for 2009-10 have been resolved. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226564,"EventID":"S3W-19956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many deaths at the (a) Western Infirmary in Glasgow and (b) Gartnavel General Hospital were directly attributed to Clostridium difficile in 2008.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many deaths at the (a) Western Infirmary in Glasgow and (b) Gartnavel General Hospital were directly attributed to Clostridium difficile in 2008.","AnswerText":"NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde advise that there were eight deaths at the Western Infirmary and 18 deaths at Gartnavel General hospital between January and December 2008 which were directly attributed to Clostridium difficile. It should be noted that these are provisional data only. Official data on the number of Clostridium difficile related deaths, by NHS board and by hospital, is published by the General Register for Scotland (GROS) on an annual basis. I am advised that data for 2008 is not yet available but will be published by GROS in August 2009. The national HAI (healthcare associated infection) reporting template recently introduced now requires NHS boards to collect real time data on infection rates by hospital and specialty. These templates will be published on NHS board websites, and from autumn 2009 the data they record will be extended to include information on HAI related deaths. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226565,"EventID":"S3W-19957","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many deaths at the (a) Western Infirmary in Glasgow and (b) Gartnavel General Hospital had Clostridium difficile as a contributory factor in 2008.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many deaths at the (a) Western Infirmary in Glasgow and (b) Gartnavel General Hospital had Clostridium difficile as a contributory factor in 2008.","AnswerText":"NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde advise that there were six deaths at the Western Infirmary and six deaths at the Gartnavel General hospital between January and December 2008 where Clostridium difficile was a contributory factor in the deaths. I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19956 on 2 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226566,"EventID":"S3W-19958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions death certificates issued by the (a) Western Infirmary in Glasgow and (b) Gartnavel General Hospital have been changed to show Clostridium difficile","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions death certificates issued by the (a) Western Infirmary in Glasgow and (b) Gartnavel General Hospital have been changed to show Clostridium difficile as a contributory factor in 2008.","AnswerText":"GROS advise that to date no death certificates registered by GROS in 2008 for the hospitals concerned were amended in 2008 to show clostridium difficile as a contributory factor. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226567,"EventID":"S3W-19959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-16793 by Stewart Stevenson on 27 October 2008, whether it will list the disability groups that it has met in relation to the conces","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-16793 by Stewart Stevenson on 27 October 2008, whether it will list the disability groups that it has met in relation to the concessionary travel pass, also showing (a) dates and (b) locations of the meetings.","AnswerText":"Prior to the introduction of the Scotland-Wide Free Bus Travel Scheme for Older and Disabled People, the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland was represented on the National Concessionary Travel Implementation Project “ Eligibility Task Group. The Group met on 14 and 30 June, 26 July and 9 August 2005 at Victoria Quay, Edinburgh. More recently I have met with representatives of the Fare Deal Campaign “ a campaign involving 12 charities representing older people and people with disabilities. As part of the current review of the scheme a number of disability organisations were consulted about their views on the scheme. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226568,"EventID":"S3W-19960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions have been held with disability groups and others regarding concessionary travel companion cards for people accompanying disabled passengers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions have been held with disability groups and others regarding concessionary travel companion cards for people accompanying disabled passengers.","AnswerText":"Prior to the introduction of the Scotland-wide Free Bus Travel Scheme for Older and Disabled People in April 2006, discussions were held about concessionary travel companion cards with the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland, the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), the Association of Transport Co-ordinating Officers, and the then Strathclyde Passenger Transport, as part of the consideration of the eligibility criteria for the scheme. The Steering Group currently carrying out the review of the scheme is looking at all aspects of the scheme and considering how it could be improved. All of the above groups, and others, have been provided with an opportunity to comment on the review. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226569,"EventID":"S3W-19961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much SMART:Scotland funding was allocated by the Improvement Service to assist the creation of North Lanarkshire Council’s approved trader scheme since its inception.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much SMART:Scotland funding was allocated by the Improvement Service to assist the creation of North Lanarkshire Council’s approved trader scheme since its inception.","AnswerText":"The SMART: SCOTLAND scheme, delivered by the Scottish Government''s Innovation and Investment Grants Division, has allocated no funding to North Lanarkshire Council''s Approved Traders Scheme. The Improvement Service set up a SMART Ideas Fund with grants of up to £10,000 per project. Funding was awarded to North Lanarkshire Council to assist the creation of an Approved Traders Scheme. Information on the amount of individual grants is not held centrally, but details of the project are available on the Improvement Service website at: http://www.improvementservice.org.uk/innovation-exchange/introduction/innovation-exchange-and-smart-ideas.html. Further information can be obtained by writing to the Chief Executive of the Improvement Service. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226570,"EventID":"S3W-19962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done by Skills Development Scotland to develop initiatives to encourage young people into employment, education and training in (a) South Lanarkshire, (b) N","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done by Skills Development Scotland to develop initiatives to encourage young people into employment, education and training in (a) South Lanarkshire, (b) North Lanarkshire, (c) Falkirk and (d) East Ayrshire.","AnswerText":"Each of these local authorities is implementing 16+ Learning Choices, our new model for ensuring that all young people have an appropriate offer of post-16 learning well before they reach their school leaving date. A range of Skills Development Scotland (SDS) services is available to support young people who need more choices and more chances. The detail of that provision at a local level is an operational matter for SDS and I have asked them to write to you with this information. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226571,"EventID":"S3W-19963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the dates and locations of meetings and discussions that it has had with the leadership of the majority party in North Lanarkshire Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the dates and locations of meetings and discussions that it has had with the leadership of the majority party in North Lanarkshire Council.","AnswerText":"Meetings and discussions take place from time-to-time between the Scottish Government and the leadership of the majority party in North Lanarkshire Council. Recent examples include: A meeting with the Leader and Deputy Leader of North Lanarkshire Council on 28 July 2008 in North Lanarkshire, and A series of meetings involving the Leader of North Lanarkshire Council and leaders and elected members from other councils in Edinburgh on 26 November 2008, 17 December 2008 and 15 January 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226572,"EventID":"S3W-19964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19452 by John Swinney on 15 January 2009, what the financial contributions to the Improvement Service were of (a) COSLA and (b) ind","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19452 by John Swinney on 15 January 2009, what the financial contributions to the Improvement Service were of (a) COSLA and (b) individual local authorities prior to the local authority settlement for 2008-09.","AnswerText":"COSLA did not make any financial contributions to the Improvement Service prior to the local authority settlement for 2008-09. Contributions were made by individual local authorities during this period in relation to training programmes and fees for attendance at courses or seminars. Details of these contributions are recorded in the Improvement Service accounts and are not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226573,"EventID":"S3W-19965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19452 by John Swinney on 15 January 2009, how it monitors best value and the use of public money in relation to the Improvement Ser","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19452 by John Swinney on 15 January 2009, how it monitors best value and the use of public money in relation to the Improvement Service.","AnswerText":"Core funding for 2005-08 was subject to a three year grant agreement, with detailed use agreed on an annual basis through the business planning process. Expenditure and performance were monitored through regular reports and meetings between Scottish Government and Improvement Service officials. Projects for which separate funding is awarded are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Grant agreements set out the expected deliverables against which funding is released. The progress of grant-supported work is monitored and assured as part of regular meetings between Scottish Government and Improvement Service officials. External evaluations are also commissioned where appropriate. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226574,"EventID":"S3W-19966","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19452 by John Swinney on 15 January 2009, what the level of funding to the Improvement Service has been in each financial year sinc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19452 by John Swinney on 15 January 2009, what the level of funding to the Improvement Service has been in each financial year since its inception.","AnswerText":"The funding provided by the Scottish Government to the Improvement Service is as follows: | | 2005-06 (£ Million) | 2006-07 (£ Million) | 2007-08 (£ Million) | 2008-09 (£ Million) | | Core funds | 1.0 | 1.8 | 1.7 | - | | Project funds | 0.1 | 1.7 | 3.9 | Up to 1.6 | | Total | 1.1 | 3.5 | 5.6 | Up to 1.6 | Figures for 2005-2008 relate to actual monies paid. Figures for 2008-09 are grant awards. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226575,"EventID":"S3W-19967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19452 by John Swinney on 15 January 2009, whether it will provide the dates of board meetings of the Improvement Service since its ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19452 by John Swinney on 15 January 2009, whether it will provide the dates of board meetings of the Improvement Service since its inception, also showing who represented the Scottish Government at those meetings.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers were represented at Improvement Service (IS) Board meetings by: Tom McCabe, Minister for Finance and Public Service Reform: Director of IS - July 2005 - May 2007. Ruth Parsons, Public Service Reform Director: Director of IS - September 2006 - March 2008. With the agreement of the board: Ruth Parsons represented Mr McCabe at one meeting prior to her joining the board. Rab Fleming, Deputy Director, Public Service Delivery Division, represented Ruth Parsons at two meetings in 2007. Dates of board meetings and representation is as follows: | Date | Scottish Government Representative | | 21 November 2005 | Tom McCabe MSP | | 27 March 2006 | Tom McCabe unable to attend, apologies given | | 23 May 2006 | Ruth Parsons for Tom McCabe MSP | | 19 June 2006 | Tom McCabe MSP | | 21 November 2006 | Tom McCabe MSP | | 22 January 2007 | Tom McCabe MSP, Ruth Parsons | | 12 March 2007 | Tom McCabe MSP | | 21 May 2007 | Ruth Parsons | | 27 August 2007 | Rab Fleming for Ruth Parsons | | 4 September 2007 | Rab Fleming for Ruth Parsons | | 26 November 2007 | Ruth Parsons | | 28 January 2008 | Ruth Parsons | | 17 March 2008 | Ruth Parsons | As part of the concordat between the Scottish Government and COSLA, it was agreed that the Improvement Service would be governed wholly by local government, through COSLA and SOLACE. Scottish ministers resigned from membership of the Improvement Service company in March 2008. Information on board meetings since that date is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226576,"EventID":"S3W-19968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people received convictions for speeding offences on the A90 around Laurencekirk in (a) 2005, (b) 2006, (c) 2007 and (d) 2008.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people received convictions for speeding offences on the A90 around Laurencekirk in (a) 2005, (b) 2006, (c) 2007 and (d) 2008.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. The Scottish Government Criminal Proceedings database does not hold details of the locations of offences. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226577,"EventID":"S3W-19969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it would cost to extend the Young Students’ Bursary scheme to (a) independent young students and (b) mature students using the scheme’s current income thresholds.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it would cost to extend the Young Students’ Bursary scheme to (a) independent young students and (b) mature students using the scheme’s current income thresholds.","AnswerText":"We have costed how much it would cost to extend YSB to independent students and this is set out in the consultation paper as option 1b. The consultation paper does not consider the option of extending the Young Student''s Bursary scheme to (a) independent young students and (b) mature students using the scheme''s current income thresholds. As a result, no costings have been prepared. These would be prepared in due course if the Scottish Government decided to examine those options in more detail, based on the responses we receive to the consultation. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226578,"EventID":"S3W-19970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) independent and (b) mature students would benefit if the Young Students’ Bursary scheme were extended to these groups using its current income thresholds.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) independent and (b) mature students would benefit if the Young Students’ Bursary scheme were extended to these groups using its current income thresholds.","AnswerText":"In academic year 2007-08, 20,475 independent full-time Scottish domiciled undergraduate and post graduate diploma in education students studying in Scotland received support from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS). Six hundred and twenty-five of these students already received Young Students Bursary (YSB). Of the remaining 19,845 students, 2,605 had declared benefactor income which was below the threshold for YSB. In addition 16,430 of these students were assessed as exempt from parental or spousal contributions to their support and therefore benefactor income details were not provided to SAAS. There are no income details for a further 350 of these students, either because they have not declared income or because their income is extremely low. If we assume that everyone in these three groups would be entitled under an extended Young Student''s Bursary scheme, a maximum total of 19,385 students would benefit. 14,885 of these students would be considered ˜mature'' i.e. aged 25 or over. The estimated number who benefit may be lower if the income of partners was taken into consideration as was introduced with the new means testing rules for higher education student support in academic year 2008-09. In 2007-08, the income of partners was not included in the means test for student support. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226579,"EventID":"S3W-19971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-17276 by Maureen Watt on 12 November 2008, on what date the report of the task group on hospitality and tourism training will be pu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-17276 by Maureen Watt on 12 November 2008, on what date the report of the task group on hospitality and tourism training will be published.","AnswerText":" The task group was originally due to report by the end of December 2008 but, at the request of industry representatives, the life of the group has been extended to identify sustainable, long term solutions are found for issues that have been around in the sector for a number of years. Therefore, further meetings of the task group have been planned and I hope the group will report in late spring/early summer 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Maureen Watt","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226580,"EventID":"S3W-19972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-17274 by Fiona Hyslop on 6 November 2008, on what date the updated skills strategy will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-17274 by Fiona Hyslop on 6 November 2008, on what date the updated skills strategy will be published.","AnswerText":"The Skills Strategy update is due to be made available in February. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226581,"EventID":"S3W-19973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19186 by Fiona Hyslop on 14 January 2009, what savings will be made in the Education and Lifelong Learning budget, and to which bud","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19186 by Fiona Hyslop on 14 January 2009, what savings will be made in the Education and Lifelong Learning budget, and to which budget lines, to pay for the additional £12.4 million cost associated with unwinding provisions for student loans.","AnswerText":"The additional £12.4 million cost associated with the unwinding provisions for student loans are being met from other non-cash budget savings associated with the provision of student loans within the overall Student Awards Agency for Scotland''s budgets. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226582,"EventID":"S3W-19974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18994 by Fiona Hyslop on 8 January 2009, how much discretionary funding was returned to Student Awards Agency for Scotland for redi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18994 by Fiona Hyslop on 8 January 2009, how much discretionary funding was returned to Student Awards Agency for Scotland for redistribution in each of the last five years, broken down by institution.","AnswerText":"The following table lists the funds returned each year by each institution. Information for year 2007-08 is still in the process of being gathered and will be available at the end of February. As stated in the answer to question S3W-18994 on 8 January 2009, these returned funds are then redistributed on the basis of application from institutions in the following academic year. The returned funds have been re-distributed each year from 2005-06. For example, funds returned for 2005-06 are made available to institutions in 2006-07 as additional funding. Institutions are required to make requests for this additional funding. Prior to 2005-06, any returned funds resulted in an underspend against allocation. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. | Institution | 2006-07 | 2005-06 | 2004-05 | 2003-04 | | Aberdeen College | 82,714.12 | 6,812.26 | 19,993.23 | 25,346.36 | | Angus College | 9,500.35 | 61,466.68 | | 53,382.00 | | Anniesland College | | | | 101.00 | | Ayr College | | 4,367.69 | | 54,700.94 | | Banff and Buchan College | | | 85.00 | | | Barony College | | | | | | Borders College | 7,478.85 | 6,955.00 | 38,065.90 | | Month of Application | Number of Applications | Accepted Subject to Survey | | October 2006 | 164 | 119 | | November 2006 | 338 | 209 | | December 2006 | 139 | 80 | | January 2007 | 136 | 101 | | February 2007 | 116 | 77 | | March 2007 | 137 | 101 | | April 2007 | 166 | 136 | | May 2007 | 170 | 136 | | June 2007 | 147 | 132 | | July 2007 | 162 | 120 | | August 2007 | 174 | 141 | | September 2007 | 121 | 114 | | October 2007 | 196 | 124 | | November 2007 | 155 | 122 | | December 2007 | 74 | | Month of Application | Number of Applicants on Waiting List | | October 2006 | 119 | | November 2006 | 314 | | December 2006 | 384 | | January 2007 | 477 | | February 2007 | 489 | | March 2007 | 477 | | April 2007 | 456 | | May 2007 | 461 | | June 2007 | 449 | | July 2007 | 517 | | August 2007 | 567 | | September 2007 | 592 | | October 2007 | 617 | | November 2007 | 650 | | December 2007 | 636 | | January 2008 | 558 | | February 2008 | 552 | | March 2008 | 509 | | April 2008 | 520 | | May 2008 | 516 | | June 2008 | 420 | | July 2008 | 306 | | August 2008 | 282 | | September 2008 | 193 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226586,"EventID":"S3W-19979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has assessed the economic impact on small retailers of the proposed tobacco display ban and when the regulatory impact assessment will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has assessed the economic impact on small retailers of the proposed tobacco display ban and when the regulatory impact assessment will be published.","AnswerText":"A full and rigorous regulatory impact assessment (RIA) is being undertaken to assess the economic impact of legislative proposals set out in Scotland''s Future is Smoke-free, including proposals to further restrict the display of tobacco products. Retailing interests have had full opportunity to feed into the RIA and the Scottish Government will continue to engage with retailers to ensure that the impact on business is kept to a minimum. The RIA will be published alongside the forthcoming Health (Scotland) Bill. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/05/19144342/0/. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226587,"EventID":"S3W-19980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the proposed tobacco display ban and any implications that it has for small retailers fits with the Scottish Government’s intention to support businesses and high str","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the proposed tobacco display ban and any implications that it has for small retailers fits with the Scottish Government’s intention to support businesses and high streets and the statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth in a press release on 19 November 2008 that Scotland’s town and city centres are the “heartbeat of our economy”.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to a vibrant small business sector and is doing a great deal to support the small business sector in Scotland through, for example, reduced business rates under the Small Business Bonus Scheme, which will save millions for Scotland''s small businesses. Whilst there can be no compromise on protecting children and young people from cancer, heart disease and other smoking-related illnesses, we have given tobacco retailers full opportunity to feed into a regulatory impact assessment on the proposed tobacco display ban and the Scottish Government will continue to engage with retailers to ensure that there is the minimum impact on business. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226588,"EventID":"S3W-19981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered evidence from Canada and Iceland showing that tobacco display bans do not reduce the consumption of tobacco products.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered evidence from Canada and Iceland showing that tobacco display bans do not reduce the consumption of tobacco products.","AnswerText":"A full and rigorous regulatory impact assessment (RIA) is being conducted to assess the economic impact and health benefits of legislative proposals set out in Scotland''s Future is Smoke-free. This will be published alongside the forthcoming Health (Scotland) Bill. Evidence from countries that have implemented proposed measures has formed part of this assessment. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/05/19144342/0/. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226589,"EventID":"S3W-19982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide information regarding its collaboration with HM Revenue and Customs to reduce the impact of illicit sales of tobacco products.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide information regarding its collaboration with HM Revenue and Customs to reduce the impact of illicit sales of tobacco products.","AnswerText":"The proposed collaboration with HMRC/the UK Border Agency to tackle illicit sales of tobacco forms part of the comprehensive programme of measures contained in the Smoking Prevention Action Plan Scotland''s Future is Smoke-free which was launched in May 2008. As set out in the Action Plan, specific measures relating to illicit sales of tobacco will be included in the proposed scheme to secure more rigorous enforcement of tobacco sales law which is being developed in partnership with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and the Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland. Discussions which have taken place with HMRC/the UK Border Agency in this respect have been extremely constructive and details of the specific agreements reached will be announced shortly as part of the launch of the proposed Enhanced Tobacco Sales Enforcement Programme. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226590,"EventID":"S3W-19983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence it has to suggest that a ban on the sale of packets of 10 cigarettes will reduce smoking levels.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence it has to suggest that a ban on the sale of packets of 10 cigarettes will reduce smoking levels.","AnswerText":"A full and rigorous regulatory impact assessment (RIA) is being conducted to assess the economic impact and the health benefits of legislative proposals set out in Scotland''s Future is Smoke-free, including the commitment to consider issues arising from the sale of cigarettes in packets of less than 20. The RIA will be published alongside the forthcoming Health (Scotland) Bill. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/05/19144342/0/. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226591,"EventID":"S3W-19984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19181 by Fiona Hyslop on 15 January 2009, whether the recent decision to uprate student loans by 2.6% to maintain their real-terms ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19181 by Fiona Hyslop on 15 January 2009, whether the recent decision to uprate student loans by 2.6% to maintain their real-terms value required negotiations with HM Treasury due to the budgetary implications; if so, what discussions took place and what the outcomes were, and, if not, for what reasons discussions were not considered to be required.","AnswerText":"No negotiations with HM Treasury were required in the recent decision to uprate student loans by 2.6%. This is because the uprating figure of 2.6% is based on the Treasury''s mid-May forecasts of the rise in RPI-x during the calendar years 2009 and 2010. These figures are published in the Treasury document: Forecasts for the UK economy “ A Comparison of Independent Forecasts, which is available at www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/200805forcomp.pdf. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226592,"EventID":"S3W-19985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19193 by Fiona Hyslop on 15 January 2009, whether calculations were undertaken in costing option 1b in its Supporting a Smarter Sco","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19193 by Fiona Hyslop on 15 January 2009, whether calculations were undertaken in costing option 1b in its Supporting a Smarter Scotland consultation paper at £23 million and what the detail and basis of these calculations were.","AnswerText":"The calculations and costings in the consultation document were based on data and intelligence available at the time. Option 1b, like the other options in the consultation paper, is an example of how the additional £30 million available for higher education student support in 2010-11 could be used to improve the current student support system. The ultimate cost to the Scottish Government for all of these options would be £30 million and the basis for these costs, primarily the number of students affected and the relevant thresholds, are set out in the consultation paper. Further costs would only be produced after proposals are established following consideration of responses to the consultation. The consultation runs until 30 April 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226593,"EventID":"S3W-19986","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether calculations have been made to cost any of the options outlined in its Supporting a Smarter Scotland consultation paper and, if so, what the detail and basis are ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether calculations have been made to cost any of the options outlined in its Supporting a Smarter Scotland consultation paper and, if so, what the detail and basis are of these calculations.","AnswerText":"The calculations and costings in the consultation document were based on data and intelligence available at the time. The options outlined in the consultation paper are examples of how the additional £30 million available for higher education student support in 2010-11 could be used to improve the current student support system. The ultimate cost to the Scottish Government for all of these options would be £30 million and the basis for these costs, primarily the number of students affected and the relevant thresholds, are set out in the consultation paper. Further costs would only be produced after proposals are established following consideration of responses to the consultation. The consultation runs until 30 April 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226594,"EventID":"S3W-19987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will lay before the Parliament a report assessing the impact that abolishing the graduate endowment has had in relation to widening access to higher education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will lay before the Parliament a report assessing the impact that abolishing the graduate endowment has had in relation to widening access to higher education.","AnswerText":"A report assessing the impact that abolishing the graduate endowment fee has had in relation to widening access to higher education will be laid before the Parliament as required by 4 April 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226595,"EventID":"S3W-19988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19196 by Fiona Hyslop on 15 January 2009, what changes to secondary legislation would be required to implement each of the options ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19196 by Fiona Hyslop on 15 January 2009, what changes to secondary legislation would be required to implement each of the options outlined in the Supporting a Smarter Scotland consultation paper.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19196 on 15 January 2009, which makes clear that we do not anticipate that any legislative action would be required to implement option 1, 2 or 3 but given the consultation is seeking the widest views possible, some respondents may suggest different changes to the student support system which could have legislative changes. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226596,"EventID":"S3W-19989","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19187 by Fiona Hyslop on 9 January 2009, whether students in the (a) exempt from parental/spousal contribution and (b) income not d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19187 by Fiona Hyslop on 9 January 2009, whether students in the (a) exempt from parental/spousal contribution and (b) income not declared/required category would receive full means-tested support.","AnswerText":"(a) It is not possible to say if all the students in the exempt from parental/spousal contribution would be eligible to receive full means-tested support if bursary support was extended to independent students using the current income thresholds. The answer to question S3W-19187 on 23 January 2009 provided details of the number of independent student supported by SAAS in 2007-08 by age and residual income. However, these figures may be lower when the income of partners is taken into consideration as was introduced through the new means testing rules for higher education student support introduced in academic year 2008-09. In 2007-08, the income of partners was not included in the means test for student support. (b) Under current rules SAAS are able to assess the support entitlement of some categories of students without the need for them to provide a detailed income statement. These students are shown in the income not declared / required category as answered in S3W-19187. It is therefore not possible to say how many of them would receive full means-tested support under a revised student support policy, because we don''t hold any records of their income at present. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226597,"EventID":"S3W-19990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many higher education students at college receive young student bursaries (YSB), broken down by income, and what the total amount was of YSB received by such students","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many higher education students at college receive young student bursaries (YSB), broken down by income, and what the total amount was of YSB received by such students.","AnswerText":"The table shows the number of higher education students studying at colleges who received Young Students Bursaries (YSB) in academic year 2007-08, and the amount received, broken down by parental/spousal income. | Income Band | Number of College Students | Amount YSB (£000) | | < £10k | 2,895 | 6,873 | | £10,000 - £19,999 | 2,885 | 6,787 | | £20,000 - £29,999 | 2,065 | 2,673 | | £30,000 and above | 520 | 162 | | Income not declared/required | 830 | 1,982 | | Exempt from Parental/Spousal Contribution | 155 | 344 | | Total | 9,345 | 18,821 | Source: Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS). Notes: Student numbers have been rounded up or down to the nearest five. Monetary amounts have been rounded to the nearest thousand and are quoted in thousands. Income bands are based on residual parental or, in the case of students who are married or in a civil partnership, spousal income. This is income after deductions allowed by SAAS have been subtracted. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226598,"EventID":"S3W-19991","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what scientific advice it has taken on the effects on invertebrates of pesticides used in farming.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what scientific advice it has taken on the effects on invertebrates of pesticides used in farming.","AnswerText":"We must recognise that invertebrates make up around 98 per cent of Scotland''s animal species, and within that broad category are many species which can either be beneficial or harmful to farming. However, all pesticides used in the UK are strictly regulated and, before being approved for use, are scientifically assessed for their potential risk to the environment. This includes a risk assessment to invertebrates. The independent Advisory Committee on Pesticides provides scientific advice to the Scottish Government on all aspects of pesticides, including their effects on invertebrates. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226599,"EventID":"S3W-19992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence it has on the relationship between the use of pesticides and the decline in bee populations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence it has on the relationship between the use of pesticides and the decline in bee populations.","AnswerText":"I am not aware of any evidence which proves a causal link between the use of pesticides and the decline in bee populations. That decline has been fairly recent, whereas insecticides have been used for many years with a fairly static usage pattern. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226600,"EventID":"S3W-19993","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what scientific advice it has received on finding organic means to combat crop damage.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what scientific advice it has received on finding organic means to combat crop damage.","AnswerText":"We receive scientific advice on topics relating to crop health from the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) and from Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA). Non-chemical control measures under investigation to reduce the impact of pests and diseases include rotations, time of sowing, use of genetic resistance including the use of variety mixtures, more durable host defence, and crop characteristics which enable plants to tolerate or escape the disease ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226601,"EventID":"S3W-19994","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the Soil Association to discuss alternatives to the commercial pesticides of which the European Parliament has agreed to restrict the use.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the Soil Association to discuss alternatives to the commercial pesticides of which the European Parliament has agreed to restrict the use.","AnswerText":"We have not met the Soil Association to discuss this matter. It is not yet known whether currently-available pesticides will become unavailable in future. Decisions will only be taken as individual products are assessed for re-authorisation when their current authorisations expire. That process will take some years. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226602,"EventID":"S3W-19995","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to build a bypass at Kilwinning as outlined in the proposed National Planning Framework for Scotland 2.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to build a bypass at Kilwinning as outlined in the proposed National Planning Framework for Scotland 2.","AnswerText":"The STPR has identified a number of strategic transport interventions. Potential improvements to the A737 have been highlighted under Project 22 “ Targeted Road Congestion/ Environmental Relief schemes. Some proposals have been identified, including a bypass of Dalry and we will develop this, and other suitable schemes as resources and the STPR''s wider priorities allow. A Kilwinning bypass has not been specifically identified, but may be considered if it is proven to make a similar contribution to the overall corridor objectives. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226603,"EventID":"S3W-19996","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it gave to including the construction of a bypass at Kilwinning as part of the Strategic Transport Projects Review.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it gave to including the construction of a bypass at Kilwinning as part of the Strategic Transport Projects Review.","AnswerText":"Included in the recommendations are targeted road congestion/environmental relief schemes on the A737. The priority enhancement on this corridor was identified as a bypass around Dalry. However, as we progress through the development stage of this package, other interventions may be brought forward, providing they demonstrate at least as good a business case, meet the objectives of the Strategic Transport Projects Review and are affordable within the funding available at that time. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226604,"EventID":"S3W-19997","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it agrees with the findings of the proposed National Planning Framework for Scotland 2 that a bypass at Kilwinning would help to reduce conflict between local and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it agrees with the findings of the proposed National Planning Framework for Scotland 2 that a bypass at Kilwinning would help to reduce conflict between local and long-distance traffic on the A737 and improve journey time reliability.","AnswerText":"Yes. Potential improvements to the A737 have been highlighted in the STPR under Project 22 “ Targeted Road Congestion / Environmental Relief schemes, the purpose of which is to reduce conflicts between strategic and local traffic and to contribute to road safety, improved journey times and reliability, reduce emissions and reduce the impact of traffic on local communities. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226605,"EventID":"S3W-19998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with key stakeholders in North Ayrshire about the construction of a Kilwinning bypass as outlined in the proposed National Planning Framework ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with key stakeholders in North Ayrshire about the construction of a Kilwinning bypass as outlined in the proposed National Planning Framework for Scotland 2.","AnswerText":"Discussions have taken place with representatives from North Ayrshire Council, Statutory Consultees and the land owners likely to be affected by the proposals with a view to identifying the preferred route for bypasses at Dalry and Kilwinning. Transport Scotland will continue to engage in such discussions throughout the preparation of detailed design programmes for all projects and strategic interventions resulting from the STPR. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226606,"EventID":"S3W-19999","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Medicines Consortium will adopt the same cost per quality adjusted life year threshold for cancer drugs as recently proposed by the National Institut","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Medicines Consortium will adopt the same cost per quality adjusted life year threshold for cancer drugs as recently proposed by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).","AnswerText":"The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) is considering the implications for Scotland of the NICE methodology changes for appraising end of life drugs. However, the SMC already has the ability to exercise considerable flexibility. The SMC assesses the cost per quality adjusted life year (QALY) of new drugs as part of its appraisal of health benefits. However, the SMC does not employ a rigid threshold in appraising drugs. There is a two stage appraisal process. This involves a rapid assessment of the evidence by the New Drugs Committee (NDC) to provide a recommendation about the costs and benefits of using the medicine. This is followed by the SMC appraisal which looks again at the evidence together with the NDC advice, the case put forward by the patient interest groups and the company''s response to the NDC advice. This approach ensures the SMC can consider all drugs flexibly, taking account of wider considerations as well as the economic evidence provided. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226607,"EventID":"S3W-20000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-time higher education students received the maximum amount of means-tested loan in each of the last three years, broken down by (a) whether studying at coll","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-time higher education students received the maximum amount of means-tested loan in each of the last three years, broken down by (a) whether studying at college or university, (b) independent or dependent status and (c) income.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. The maximum amounts of means tested loan depend on students'' individual study circumstances, including their exact course length. SAAS record the amount of loan assessed but they do not record whether the amount is the maximum for the particular set of circumstances. (a) The following table shows the number of students assessed by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) as entitled to means tested loans broken down by the total amount of loan they were assessed for and their institution type. The total amount of loan includes the non-means tested element. Students receiving non-means tested loans only are not included in the table. | Total Loan | 2005-2006 | 2006-2007 | 2007-2008 | | Higher Education Institution | College | Total | Higher Education Institution | College | Total | Higher Education Institution | College | Total | | Total | 46,540 | 15,700 | 62,395 | 44,450 | 14,740 | 59,340 | 42,975 | 14,390 | 57,500 | | Up to £1,000 | 1,430 | 285 | 1,715 | 1,300 | 245 | 1,545 | 1,155 | 230 | 1,390 | | £1,000-1,499 | 5,140 | 2,755 | 7,900 | 3,755 | 2,300 | 6,055 | 3,465 | 1,700 | 5,170 | | £1,500-1,999 | 7,740 | 2,265 | 10,020 | 8,550 Table 1: Students Assessed as Entitled to Means-Tested Loans and Assessed Amounts by Institution Type and Income 2005-06 | Income | Higher Education Institution | College | Total | | Number of Students | Amount (£000) | Number of Students | Amount (£000) | Number of Students | Amount (£000) | | < £10k | 6,180 | 9,831 | 2,680 | 4,184 | 8,885 | 14,076 | | £10,000 - £19,999 | 8,120 | 12,437 | 2,520 | 4,152 | 10,655 | 16,627 | | £20,000 - £29,999 | 7,955 | 14,881 | 1,785 | 3,390 | 9,755 | 18,309 | | £30,000 - £39,999 | 7,220 | 13,031 | 1,215 | 2,179 | 8,450 | 15,239 | | £40,000 - £49,999 | 4,815 | 5,191 | 650 | 640 | 5,475 | 5,839 | | £50,000 and above | 1,660 | 1,681 | 110 | 123 | 1,780 | 1,813 | <","AnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226609,"EventID":"S3W-20002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what basis the £13 million of accelerated capital spend for further and higher education in 2009-10 will be distributed and which capital projects will benefit.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what basis the £13 million of accelerated capital spend for further and higher education in 2009-10 will be distributed and which capital projects will benefit.","AnswerText":"The £13 million of accelerated capital spend for further and higher education will be used to benefit projects across Scotland in 2009-10, helping to accelerate investment which would not otherwise have taken place until 2010-11. Further details of the specific projects which will benefit will be made available once the Scottish Funding Council has determined the basis on which the funding will be distributed in 2009-10, in collaboration with the institutions which it funds. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226610,"EventID":"S3W-20003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it will provide information on its position in respect of compliance with the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (2002/91/EC).","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it will provide information on its position in respect of compliance with the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (2002/91/EC).","AnswerText":" In accordance with the Directive, an assessment of the energy performance of the Parliament building has been completed. An energy rating of B has been calculated and is displayed on a certificate in the main hall. The certificate states that a building of this type built to current building regulations standards would have a rating of B. The SPCB is pleased that, although the Parliament was designed and built prior to the introduction of the 2007 Building Regulations, the energy performance of the building has been assessed as achieving current good practice. This clearly demonstrates the efforts which were made to design and construct an energy-efficient building. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Johnstone","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226611,"EventID":"S3W-20004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to regulate the behaviour of companies contracted to maintain green spaces in private housing estates.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to regulate the behaviour of companies contracted to maintain green spaces in private housing estates.","AnswerText":"The Office of Fair Trading is expected to publish its report on property managers in Scotland in February 2009. The Scottish Government will give close consideration to its conclusions and recommendations. We have announced we will work with the industry to support the establishment of a national accreditation scheme for residential property managers. It is intended that the scheme will be voluntary and open to all sectors offering property management services. It will be underpinned by an effective complaints system linking to robust third party redress and a requirement for its members to meet high standards of service. We have also issued an updated Planning Advice Note (PAN 65) which stresses the importance of ensuring long term management of new greenspace is considered in planning applications. Scottish ministers cannot intervene in private disputes about the terms of contracts made between homeowners and property managers. The regulation of business associations and consumer protection are reserved matters. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226612,"EventID":"S3W-20005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to regulate the financial agreements between companies contracted to maintain green spaces in private housing estates and the householders who pay an a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to regulate the financial agreements between companies contracted to maintain green spaces in private housing estates and the householders who pay an annual charge to cover that work.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20004 on 29 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226613,"EventID":"S3W-20006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to regulate the schemes that can be put in place by developers for the maintenance of green spaces in private housing estates.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to regulate the schemes that can be put in place by developers for the maintenance of green spaces in private housing estates.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20004 on 29 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226614,"EventID":"S3W-20007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to nullify agreements between companies contracted to maintain green spaces in private housing estates and the householders with whom they have an agre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to nullify agreements between companies contracted to maintain green spaces in private housing estates and the householders with whom they have an agreement where such companies have failed to carry out the duties for which they have received an annual payment.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20004 on 29 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226615,"EventID":"S3W-20008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18578 by Fiona Hyslop on the 22 December 2008, how many students received the (a) Lone Parent’s Grant and (b) Lone Parent’s Childca","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18578 by Fiona Hyslop on the 22 December 2008, how many students received the (a) Lone Parent’s Grant and (b) Lone Parent’s Childcare Grant in the last academic year for which figures are available, broken down by income.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of higher education students who received Lone Parent''s Grant and the number who received Lone Parent''s Childcare Grant in academic year 2007-08 broken down by parental/spousal income. | Income | Number of Students receiving Lone Parent''s Grant | Number of Students Receiving Lone Parent''s Childcare Grant | | < £10k | 40 | 25 | | £10,000 - £19,999 | 45 | 25 | | £20,000 - £29,999 | 30 | 20 | | £30,000 and above | 10 | 30 | | Income not declared/required | 15 | 5 | | Exempt from Parental/Spousal Contribution | 2,775 | 1,275 | | Total | 2,920 | 1,375 | Source: Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) academic year 2007-08. Student numbers have been rounded up or down to the nearest five. Income bands are based on residual parental or, in the case of students who are married or in a civil partnership, spousal income. This is income after deductions allowed by SAAS have been subtracted. Lone Parent''s Grant is available on an income assessed basis to students who are single, widowed, divorced or no longer living with a partner and are bringing up children. An additional grant, Lone Parent''s Childcare Grant, is available to recipients of Lone Parent''s Grant who have to pay for registered or formal child care. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226616,"EventID":"S3W-20009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students in receipt of the (a) Lone Parent’s Grant and (b) Lone Parent’s Childcare Grant also received the Young Students’ Bursary in the last academic year for ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students in receipt of the (a) Lone Parent’s Grant and (b) Lone Parent’s Childcare Grant also received the Young Students’ Bursary in the last academic year for which information is available.","AnswerText":"In academic year 2007-08 135 recipients of Lone Parent''s Grant received a Young Student''s Bursary (YSB). Eighty recipients of Lone Parent''s Childcare Grant received a YSB. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226617,"EventID":"S3W-20010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which police forces have piloted the use of head or body-mounted cameras.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which police forces have piloted the use of head or body-mounted cameras.","AnswerText":"Strathclyde, Tayside, Grampian and the British Transport Police have piloted the use of head or body-mounted cameras. Central Scotland police is also actively progressing a pilot scheme. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226618,"EventID":"S3W-20011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the use of head or body-mounted cameras by the police has the potential to improve significantly the quality of evidence provided by police offi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the use of head or body-mounted cameras by the police has the potential to improve significantly the quality of evidence provided by police officers and increase the proportion of offenders brought to justice.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is awaiting with interest the evaluation of the pilot schemes currently taking place within Scottish forces, and is also aware of the pilot carried out in Devon and Cornwall Constabulary. Scottish forces have not yet used the cameras to provide evidence to Scottish Courts so it is too early to say whether the use of such equipment will improve significantly the quality of evidence provided by police officers and increase the proportion of offenders brought to justice. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226619,"EventID":"S3W-20012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the use of head or body-mounted cameras by the police has the potential to act as a preventative tool in reducing the incidence of crime.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the use of head or body-mounted cameras by the police has the potential to act as a preventative tool in reducing the incidence of crime.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is awaiting with interest the evaluation of the pilot schemes currently taking place within Scottish forces, and is also aware of the pilot carried out in Devon and Cornwall Constabulary. It is too early to say if the use of such equipment will act as a preventative tool in reducing the incidence of crime. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226620,"EventID":"S3W-20013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to provide additional funding to assist in the roll-out of head or body-mounted cameras to all police forces.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to provide additional funding to assist in the roll-out of head or body-mounted cameras to all police forces.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is awaiting with interest the evaluation of the pilot schemes currently taking place within Scottish forces. If the pilots are successful, the Scottish Government will consider, with the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS), whether the use of the technology should be expanded. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226621,"EventID":"S3W-20014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the approximate cost is of purchasing a single head or body-mounted camera for use by the police.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the approximate cost is of purchasing a single head or body-mounted camera for use by the police.","AnswerText":"The head and body camera systems being piloted by Scottish police forces have a cost of approximately £600 to £700 per unit. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226622,"EventID":"S3W-20015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the emergence of the 078 ribotype of Clostridium difficile, how many isolates have been detected since the Scottish Salmonella Shigella and Clostridium diffi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the emergence of the 078 ribotype of Clostridium difficile, how many isolates have been detected since the Scottish Salmonella Shigella and Clostridium difficile Reference Laboratory was established, broken down by NHS (a) facility and (b) board.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Reference Laboratory advise that a total of 583 isolates (all strains) were received and typed between 20 November 2007 and September 2008. It is not possible to provide a breakdown by facility but a breakdown by NHS board is provided in the following table: | NHS Board | Total Number of Ribotypes | | Ayrshire and Arran | 137 | | Borders | 4 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 14 | | Fife | 58 | | Forth Valley | 14 | | Grampian | 32 | | Golden Jubilee | 1 | | Greater Glasgow and Clyde | 180 | | Highland | 21 | | Lanarkshire | 18 | | Lothian | 53 | | Orkney | 0 | | Shetland | 0 | | Tayside | 51 | | Total | 583 | I also refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20033 on 29 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226623,"EventID":"S3W-20016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the results of the study on economic impact of recreational sea angling will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the results of the study on economic impact of recreational sea angling will be published.","AnswerText":"I anticipate that the results of the study will be published by Easter. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226624,"EventID":"S3W-20017","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of community service orders begins (a) within seven days, (b) between eight and 14 days, (c) between 15 and 21 days, (d) between 22 and 28 days, (e) betwe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of community service orders begins (a) within seven days, (b) between eight and 14 days, (c) between 15 and 21 days, (d) between 22 and 28 days, (e) between 29 days and two months, (f) more than two and up to six months and (g) more than six months after sentencing, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. The National Objectives and Standards for Social Work Services in the Criminal Justice System, which are currently being revised, will require offenders sentenced to community service to commence work within seven working days of the order being imposed by the court in most circumstances. To measure the impact of the additional £1 million funding being made available to Community Justice Authorities from 2009-10, for the delivery of speedier and more immediate community penalties, it is intended to carry out an early audit of current timescales for the start of placements and to repeat the exercise 12 months later. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226625,"EventID":"S3W-20018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executivewhat percentage of orders commences (a) immediately, (b) within seven days, (c) eight to 14 days, (d) 15 to 21 days, (e) 22 to 28 days, (f) 29 days to two months, (g) more","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executivewhat percentage of orders commences (a) immediately, (b) within seven days, (c) eight to 14 days, (d) 15 to 21 days, (e) 22 to 28 days, (f) 29 days to two months, (g) more than two and up to six months and (h) more than six months after completion of a health and safety induction, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. I refer to the answer to question S3W-20017 on 28 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226626,"EventID":"S3W-20019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it distinguishes between the start of a community service order induction period and the start of the work to be carried out in official monitoring records.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it distinguishes between the start of a community service order induction period and the start of the work to be carried out in official monitoring records.","AnswerText":"Normal practice is for time spent by an offender on induction to count towards the total number of hours specified by the court as constituting the community service order. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226627,"EventID":"S3W-20020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the amounts of the bonuses paid to executives of non-departmental public bodies, government agencies and companies owned by Scottish ministers in eac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the amounts of the bonuses paid to executives of non-departmental public bodies, government agencies and companies owned by Scottish ministers in each year from 1999 to May 2007.","AnswerText":"The information for all the years requested is not held centrally and to locate and compile this information could only be done at disproportionate cost. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226628,"EventID":"S3W-20021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19510 by John Swinney on 19 January 2009, what criteria are considered when deciding whether to admit to the civil service pension ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19510 by John Swinney on 19 January 2009, what criteria are considered when deciding whether to admit to the civil service pension arrangements the chair of a non-departmental public body (NDPB) or government agency who performs an executive function; who or what body is responsible for making that decision, and how many chairs of NDPBs or government agencies in which the Scottish Government has a direct or indirect interest have been admitted to the civil service pension arrangements in the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"Matters relating to the Civil Service pension arrangements are reserved and responsibility for decisions on admission to the scheme lies with Cabinet Office. In reaching a view on whether to support the admission of a chair of a non-departmental public body (NDPB) or Government agency to the Civil Service pension arrangements, the Scottish Government must comply with HM Treasury guidance. This guidance provides that chairs can only be offered admittance to the Civil Service pension arrangement where they are already a member of the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme or where they have the title of chair but their remit is similar to that of a Chief Executive or Executive Director. Where the Scottish Government considers that there is a strong case to allow an NDPB/Agency Chair access to Civil Service pensions arrangements, the matter is referred to Cabinet Office for a final decision. In reaching a decision, the Cabinet Office takes account of certain criteria that includes whether the individual''s remuneration is paid directly from central government funds, that they are likely to remain in post for at least two years (the minimal qualifying period for a pension) and that the person will be performing an executive function. Our current records indicate that one chair of an NDPB was admitted into the Civil Service pension arrangements in the last 10 years. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226629,"EventID":"S3W-20022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, regarding its trials on the capture of sparrowhawks, whether it maps the locations at which the trapping of sparrowhawks takes place and whether it will publish any such","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, regarding its trials on the capture of sparrowhawks, whether it maps the locations at which the trapping of sparrowhawks takes place and whether it will publish any such maps.","AnswerText":"A map of all the loft sites participating in the trial will be published as part of the report following the trial. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226630,"EventID":"S3W-20023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, regarding its trials on the capture of sparrowhawks, whether there is a recommended or maximum period of time for which a trapped sparrowhawk is kept before release.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, regarding its trials on the capture of sparrowhawks, whether there is a recommended or maximum period of time for which a trapped sparrowhawk is kept before release.","AnswerText":"The licence issued by Scottish Government requires that sparrowhawks can only be held for a period of 24 hours. The trial aims to release captured sparrowhawks on the day they are trapped if that is possible. They are kept overnight only if there is no possibility of releasing them in daylight on the day they are caught. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226631,"EventID":"S3W-20024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, regarding its trials on the capture of sparrowhawks, whether all released birds are radio-tracked and, if so, at what frequency tracking information is monitored.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, regarding its trials on the capture of sparrowhawks, whether all released birds are radio-tracked and, if so, at what frequency tracking information is monitored.","AnswerText":"The released birds are radio-tracked for a period of around a week after their release. Data on the frequency of tracking observations will be included in the report that will be published following the trial. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226632,"EventID":"S3W-20025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the wage bill is for the 231 staff employed by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) in Midlothian.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the wage bill is for the 231 staff employed by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) in Midlothian.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority. The information is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Maureen Watt","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226633,"EventID":"S3W-20026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the median annual salary is for the 231 staff employed by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) in Midlothian.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the median annual salary is for the 231 staff employed by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) in Midlothian.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority. The information is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Maureen Watt","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226634,"EventID":"S3W-20027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executivewhether it will provide an estimate of the financial contribution that the employment of 231 Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) staff in Dalkeith makes to the Midloth","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executivewhether it will provide an estimate of the financial contribution that the employment of 231 Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) staff in Dalkeith makes to the Midlothian economy.","AnswerText":"The information sought is not available. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Maureen Watt","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226635,"EventID":"S3W-20028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has set aside funding to facilitate a public inquiry into the outbreak of Clostridium difficile and, if so, how much.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has set aside funding to facilitate a public inquiry into the outbreak of Clostridium difficile and, if so, how much.","AnswerText":"There is an on-going Procurator Fiscal investigation into the tragic deaths from Clostridium difficile at the Vale of Leven Hospital. The area procurator fiscal for Argyll and Clyde has asked Strathclyde Police and the Health and Safety Executive to conduct parallel investigations and report back to him as quickly as possible. It will then be for the area procurator fiscal to determine whether any further inquiries are required before he submits his report for consideration to Crown Counsel. I will return to Parliament to make a statement once the area procurator fiscal''s investigations are complete and the views of Crown Counsel are known. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226636,"EventID":"S3W-20029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive from which budget head funding for a public inquiry into the outbreak of Clostridium difficile would be drawn.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive from which budget head funding for a public inquiry into the outbreak of Clostridium difficile would be drawn.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20028 on 29 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226637,"EventID":"S3W-20030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposal to remove the microbiology laboratory from the Vale of Leven Hospital to a central location will be subject to (a) public consultation and (b) minist","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposal to remove the microbiology laboratory from the Vale of Leven Hospital to a central location will be subject to (a) public consultation and (b) ministerial approval.","AnswerText":"It is right that NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde consider options to maintain and develop modern, efficient and effective laboratory services in the best interests of patients, and that these options are subject to appropriate engagement with stakeholders. Any decision to close existing laboratory services at the Vale of Leven Hospital would ultimately be subject to my approval and I would have to be convinced by robust evidence that such a move was in the best interests of patients and local people. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226638,"EventID":"S3W-20031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) minimum, (b) maximum and (c) average turnaround time is for the testing of samples from patients with suspected hospital-acquired infections, broken down by ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) minimum, (b) maximum and (c) average turnaround time is for the testing of samples from patients with suspected hospital-acquired infections, broken down by (i) NHS board and (ii) medical laboratory.","AnswerText":"Health Protection Scotland do not hold this information centrally. They have advised that turnaround times are set by local laboratories in conjunction with their clinical users, but are usually between 24 and 48 hours for cultures, depending on organisms of interest, the site of infection and the sample type. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226639,"EventID":"S3W-20032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list each microbiology laboratory, broken down by location and NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list each microbiology laboratory, broken down by location and NHS board.","AnswerText":"The following table details the current list of NHS laboratories including those who do not perform direct clinical testing. It is important to note that not all the laboratories shown provide a full range of tests. | Hospital Location of Laboratory | Health Board | | Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock | Ayrshire and Arran | | Border General Hospital, Melrose | Borders | | Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary | Dumfries and Galloway | | Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy | Fife | | Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Glasgow | Forth Valley | | Glasgow Royal Infirmary | Golden Jubilee | | Inverclyde Royal Infirmary, Greenock | Greater Glasgow and Clyde | | Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley | Greater Glasgow and Clyde | | Southern General Hospital, Glasgow/Victoria Infirmary, Glasgow | Greater Glasgow and Clyde | | Vale of Leven Hospital | Greater Glasgow and Clyde | | Western Infirmary, Glasgow | Greater Glasgow and Clyde | | Gartnavel Virology Laboratory (virology only) | Greater Glasgow and Clyde | | Yorkhill NHS Trust, Glasgow | Greater Glasgow and Clyde | | Aberdeen Royal Infirmary | Grampian | | Lorn and Islands District General Hospital | Highland | | Raigmore Hospital, Inverness | Highland | | Hairmyres Hospital, East Kilbride | Lanarkshire | | Monklands, Airdrie | Lanarkshire | | Wishaw General Hospital | Lanarkshire | | Edinburgh Royal Infirmary | Lothian | | St John''s Hospital Livingstone | Lothian | | Western General Hospital, Edinburgh | Lothian | | Balfour Hospital, Kirkwall | Orkney | | Gilbert Bain Hospital, Lerwick | Shetland | ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226640,"EventID":"S3W-20033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the newly identified 078 strain of Clostridium difficile has affected any patients and, if so, how many and at which hospitals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the newly identified 078 strain of Clostridium difficile has affected any patients and, if so, how many and at which hospitals.","AnswerText":"There have been 16 isolates of 078 strain of Clostridium difficile reported since 2007. Information by hospital is not currently held centrally but is shown by NHS board in the following table. | Board | No of Isolates | | Ayrshire and Arran | 4 | | Fife | 2 | | Greater Glasgow and Clyde | 4 | | Grampian | 1 | | Highland | 1 | | Lothian | 2 | | Tayside | 2 | | Total | 16 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226641,"EventID":"S3W-20034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the relative toxicity of the 078 strain of Clostridium difficile is compared to other strains.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the relative toxicity of the 078 strain of Clostridium difficile is compared to other strains.","AnswerText":"Health Protection Scotland (HPS) advise there is some evidence to suggest that the 078 strain can cause more serious disease but that cases present in a younger age group and are more likely to be community acquired. Further studies need to be undertaken to better understand the virulence of this strain. Meantime, control of clostridium difficile is best achieved by prudent prescribing and good infection control measures. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226642,"EventID":"S3W-20035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs were of reissuing HM Inspectorate of Education’s report, Improving Scottish Education 2005-2008, and who bore them.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs were of reissuing HM Inspectorate of Education’s report, Improving Scottish Education 2005-2008, and who bore them.","AnswerText":"Some, advance, copies of the Improving Scottish Education report were re-issued following an error by printers RR Donnelly''s and at their behest. All costs incurred in connection with the reprint were borne by the printers. No additional costs fell on either HM Inspectorate of Education or the Scottish Government. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Maureen Watt","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226643,"EventID":"S3W-20036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated savings would be from replacing the Get Ready for Work allowance with the Education Maintenance Allowance, as proposed in 16+ Learning Choices: First S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated savings would be from replacing the Get Ready for Work allowance with the Education Maintenance Allowance, as proposed in 16+ Learning Choices: First Step Activity and Financial Support.","AnswerText":"The proposal within the 16+ Learning Choices: First Steps Activity and Financial Support consultation is not about financial savings. It is being proposed to address the specific issue of parity of financial support for young people in education and those in vocational training. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226644,"EventID":"S3W-20037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated savings would be from abolishing the Educational Maintenance Allowance at (a) £10 and (b) £20 per week, as proposed in the 16+ Learning Choices: First ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated savings would be from abolishing the Educational Maintenance Allowance at (a) £10 and (b) £20 per week, as proposed in the 16+ Learning Choices: First Step Activity and Financial Support.","AnswerText":"The aim of the changes to the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) proposed in 16+ Learning Choices: First Step Activity and Financial Support is to refocus existing resources to better target support towards the most vulnerable young people wherever they are learning. It is not to produce savings. Any changes to EMA would be phased in so that young people already in receipt of the allowance will not be affected by the changes. This means that the full amounts below would not be realised until 2011-12. We estimate that the resource released by removing the (a) £10 and (b) £20 payments are (a) £1.7 million and (b) £2.8 million. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226645,"EventID":"S3W-20038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated savings would be from reducing the maximum income threshold for qualification for the Educational Maintenance Allowance from £21,835 to £19,835, as pro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated savings would be from reducing the maximum income threshold for qualification for the Educational Maintenance Allowance from £21,835 to £19,835, as proposed in 16+ Learning Choices: First Step Activity and Financial Support.","AnswerText":"The aim of the changes to the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) proposed in 16+ Learning Choices: First Step Activity and Financial Support is to refocus existing resources to better target support towards the most vulnerable young people wherever they are learning. It is not to produce savings. Any changes to EMA would be phased in so that young people already in receipt of the allowance will not be affected by the changes. This means that the full amounts below would not be realised until 2011-12. We estimate that the resource released from the reduction of the EMA income threshold is £3 million. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226646,"EventID":"S3W-20039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated savings would be from abolishing the Young Person's Bridging Allowance, as proposed in 16+ Learning Choices: First Step Activity and Financial Support.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated savings would be from abolishing the Young Person's Bridging Allowance, as proposed in 16+ Learning Choices: First Step Activity and Financial Support.","AnswerText":"The aim of the proposals in 16+ Learning Choices: First Step Activity and Financial Support is not to make savings but to improve the support available to young people. Annual expenditure on the Young Persons'' Bridging Allowance, based on 2007-08 figures, was £75,000. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226647,"EventID":"S3W-20040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated savings would be from centralising the delivery of Education Maintenance Allowances, as proposed in 16+ Learning Choices: First Step Activity and Finan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated savings would be from centralising the delivery of Education Maintenance Allowances, as proposed in 16+ Learning Choices: First Step Activity and Financial Support.","AnswerText":"The aim of the changes to the Education Maintenance Allowance that are proposed in 16+ Learning Choices: First Steps and Financial Support is to refocus existing resources rather than to identify savings. We do not expect to release resources from centralising the delivery of the Education Maintenance Allowance. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226648,"EventID":"S3W-20041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students would benefit from extending the Education Maintenance Allowance to students studying in the private, independent and third sector, as proposed in 16+ L","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students would benefit from extending the Education Maintenance Allowance to students studying in the private, independent and third sector, as proposed in 16+ Learning Choices: First Step Activity and Financial Support.","AnswerText":"Young people in the independent school sector are already able to apply via their local authority for Education Maintenance Allowance. Our consultation proposes the extension of support to young people learning with third sector providers as part of an overall approach to developing Activity Agreements. I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20042 on 29 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226649,"EventID":"S3W-20042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimate it has made of the cost of introducing Activity Agreements, as proposed in 16+ Learning Choices: First Step Activity and Financial Support.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimate it has made of the cost of introducing Activity Agreements, as proposed in 16+ Learning Choices: First Step Activity and Financial Support.","AnswerText":"The Introduction of Activity Agreements would be made possible by the redirection of existing resource as outlined in 16+ Learning Choices: First Step Activity and Financial Support. We estimate that some £10.5 million would be available. This represents the resources released through the proposals in our consultation, together with the existing Activity Agreement pilot budget of £3 million. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226650,"EventID":"S3W-20043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students would benefit from the introduction of Activity Agreements, as proposed in 16+ Learning Choices: First Step Activity and Financial Support.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students would benefit from the introduction of Activity Agreements, as proposed in 16+ Learning Choices: First Step Activity and Financial Support.","AnswerText":"Activity Agreements would provide young people who are not ready or able to access formal learning or training with an offer of learning which better suits their needs. Our prime target group is the 7,000 young people who fail to reach a positive destination on leaving school together with those who are unable to sustain a positive post-school transition. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226651,"EventID":"S3W-20044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many undisputed invoices it paid within (a) 30, (b) 21, (c) 14 and (d) seven days of receipt in 2008, also expressed as a percentage of all undisputed invoices.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many undisputed invoices it paid within (a) 30, (b) 21, (c) 14 and (d) seven days of receipt in 2008, also expressed as a percentage of all undisputed invoices.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government monitors payment performance against suppliers'' terms, which are typically 30 days, and, since October 2008, against its commitment to pay all suppliers within 10 working days. Statistics for payment of undisputed invoices at other intervals are not routinely available. For the current financial year 2008-09 to 31 December 2008, 116,745 transactions, equating to 93% of all undisputed transactions, were paid within 30 days. The Scottish Government''s commitment to pay suppliers within 10 working days was announced on 9 October 2008. For the month of December 2008, 84% of undisputed transactions were paid within 10 working days. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226652,"EventID":"S3W-20045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that all of its business suppliers’ invoices are paid on time.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that all of its business suppliers’ invoices are paid on time.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to helping businesses by paying invoices early and, to that end, the First Minister announced on 9 October 2008 the Scottish Government''s intention to pay all suppliers within 10 working days. During the month of December 2008, 84% of transactions were paid within 10 working days. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226653,"EventID":"S3W-20046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has for the payment of undisputed invoices following receipt of goods and services or presentation of a valid invoice.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has for the payment of undisputed invoices following receipt of goods and services or presentation of a valid invoice.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government''s target, announced by the First Minister on 9 October 2008, is to pay all suppliers within 10 working days of receipt of a valid invoice. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226654,"EventID":"S3W-20047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many invoices it received in 2008 that have been disputed, also expressed as a percentage of the total number of invoices received.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many invoices it received in 2008 that have been disputed, also expressed as a percentage of the total number of invoices received.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government processed a total of 94,975 invoices in the calendar year 2008, of which 1,222 were disputed. This equates to 1.3% of invoices paid during the year. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226655,"EventID":"S3W-20048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure payment of undisputed invoices by all non-departmental public bodies within a 30-day period.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure payment of undisputed invoices by all non-departmental public bodies within a 30-day period.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to supporting business in the current economic situation by paying bills more quickly. The intention is to achieve payment of all undisputed invoices within 10 working days, across all public bodies. Within the Scottish Government work was quickly put in place, and is continuing, to sustain improved payment performance. The target has been communicated to all non-departmental public bodies, who are working towards the accelerated payment target of 10 working days. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226656,"EventID":"S3W-20049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to inform the Parliament on the progress made in the first phase of single outcome agreements.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to inform the Parliament on the progress made in the first phase of single outcome agreements.","AnswerText":"In accordance with guidance issued in October 2008, Councils will, for one year only, provide an interim progress report on first phase SOAs in April 2009. A consolidated report based on the information received will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre. Councils will work towards producing an annual report in September 2009. The Scottish Government and our local government partners are presently considering the form which annual reporting, beginning in September 2009, should take including publication arrangements. I shall ensure that the product of this reporting is made available to Parliament. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226657,"EventID":"S3W-20050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many offences of selling alcohol to under-18s have been detected in the last 12 months as a result of the national roll-out of the test purchasing of alcohol; how man","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many offences of selling alcohol to under-18s have been detected in the last 12 months as a result of the national roll-out of the test purchasing of alcohol; how many of these have resulted in (a) prosecution and (b) conviction of licensees operating (i) on-sales and (ii) off-sales premises as defined by the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976, and how many prosecutions for these offences are pending.","AnswerText":"Information available from police forces indicates that between December 2007 and January 2009, 187 reports to the Procurator Fiscal involving alcohol test purchase operations were made, four of which concerned on-sale premises. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) case management system does not identify which reported contraventions of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976 concerning the sale of alcohol to under-18s arose from alcohol test purchasing operations. In the last year for which figures are available, April 2007 to March 2008, 619 charges under the provisions of the 1976 Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976 concerning the sale of alcohol to under-18s were reported by the police. To assist with a review of the operation of test purchases, a COPFS study in 2008, using information available from police forces, looked at 69 cases known to involve test purchase of alcohol and identified the outcomes of those cases as at June 2008 as follows. | No. of Reports to Procurators Fiscal | Direct Measure Issued | Prosecution | Convictions | No Further Proceedings | Prosecution in Process | | 69 | 25 | 44 | 29 | 10 | 5 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank Mulholland","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226658,"EventID":"S3W-20051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1820,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":12,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there was cabinet support for the allocation of central government funding to Glasgow City Council during the budget negotiations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there was cabinet support for the allocation of central government funding to Glasgow City Council during the budget negotiations.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government operates on the basis of collective responsibility. This means that all decisions reached by ministers, individually or collectively, are agreed and supported by all members of the government. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226659,"EventID":"S3W-20052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1820,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":12,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19656 by John Swinney on 12 January 2009, what the determining factors unique to Edinburgh were that led to the award of the capita","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19656 by John Swinney on 12 January 2009, what the determining factors unique to Edinburgh were that led to the award of the capital city supplement of £3.5 million to the City of Edinburgh Council.","AnswerText":"As indicated in the earlier answer, the additional capital city supplement funding provided to the City of Edinburgh Council recognised factors that are unique to Edinburgh as Scotland''s capital city. These include the marshalling and hosting of events, such as marches and parades and also ceremonial and royal visits that take place in Edinburgh because it is the capital city. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226660,"EventID":"S3W-20053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1820,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":12,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that the financial needs of the City of Glasgow Council are met.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that the financial needs of the City of Glasgow Council are met.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is providing all Scottish local authorities, including the City of Glasgow Council, with record levels of funding. While it is not for us to manage individual council budgets, we will continue to discuss financial pressures with local government and work closely with our partners to deliver the public services that people expect, in a tight financial climate. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226661,"EventID":"S3W-20054","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1820,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":12,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the threat to the construction industry posed by the financial crisis, what it will do to ensure that projects such as the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the threat to the construction industry posed by the financial crisis, what it will do to ensure that projects such as the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and the new Southern General Hospital in Glasgow go ahead as planned.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is taking all necessary steps to ensure projects such as those highlighted in the question remain on track. Significant progress is being made on both projects. With guaranteed public investment of £298 million contributing to an overall budget of £373 million the 2014 Commonwealth Games provide opportunities for Scottish business - including the construction industry “ at a time of economic uncertainty. The procurement process is already well underway for a number of major projects including the National Indoor Sports Arena and Velodrome and the Games Village. All of these projects are on schedule to be completed by the required dates. Since the approval of the Outline Business Case on 22 April 2008, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde have been preparing the project for procurement through the appointment of advisors, the development of detailed design requirements and the development of a robust procurement strategy. The project team and advisers are currently working to complete Phase 1A of the project i.e. Employers Requirement and the Exemplar Design (Tender Packages) to be ready to go to the market in early April 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226662,"EventID":"S3W-20055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1820,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":12,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing made in the budget negotiations concerning the funding of Glasgow City Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing made in the budget negotiations concerning the funding of Glasgow City Council.","AnswerText":"The overall funding package for local government resulted from the 2007 Spending Review negotiations between the Scottish Government and COSLA. The Scottish Government operates on the basis of collective responsibility. This means that all decisions reached by ministers, individually or collectively, are agreed and supported by all members of the government. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226663,"EventID":"S3W-20056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on how many people are in receipt of the state pension.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on how many people are in receipt of the state pension.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has no functions in relation to administration of the state pension, and therefore does not hold such information. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226664,"EventID":"S3W-20057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people who are in receipt of the state pension do not have central heating.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people who are in receipt of the state pension do not have central heating.","AnswerText":"The Scottish House Condition Survey (SHCS) provides this data. Table 1 shows the number of people in receipt of state pension by central heating status none. These figures are an estimate from a survey and so have an associated confidence interval. The table also includes the 95% confidence interval. The sample size, for those with no central heating (also shown), is very small, making the estimate unreliable. Table 1: The estimated number of people in receipt of state retirement pension by central heating status with associated confidence intervals and sample size “ SHCS 2007: | Central heating status | None | | No of people | 11,000 | | 95% confidence interval | 8,000 | | Upper limit | 3,000 | | Lower limit | 19,000 | | Sample size | 14 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226665,"EventID":"S3W-20058","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pensioners who receive pension credit do not have central heating.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pensioners who receive pension credit do not have central heating.","AnswerText":"The Scottish House Condition Survey (SHCS) provides this data. Table 1 shows the number of people in receipt of pension credit by central heating status none. These figures are an estimate from a survey and so have an associated confidence interval. The table also includes the 95% confidence interval. The sample size (also shown), for pensioners with no central heating, is very small which makes the estimate unreliable. Table 1: The estimated number of people in receipt of pension credit by central heating status none with associated confidence intervals and sample size “ SHCS 2007: | Central heating status | None | | No of people | 1,000 | | 95% confidence interval | 3,000 | | Upper limit | 4,000 | | Lower limit | - | | Sample size | 3 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226666,"EventID":"S3W-20059","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to address the regeneration of town centres.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to address the regeneration of town centres.","AnswerText":"The Purpose of the Scottish Government is to increase sustainable economic growth across the whole of Scotland. To achieve this, we need to support local areas and businesses to regenerate and grow our town centres. That is why the government signalled its intention to introduce a new £60 million Town Centre Regeneration Fund as part of the budget package for 2009-10. We will also be launching on 12 February a new Town Centres and Local High Streets Learning network which will act as a source of learning, advice and long-term support for practitioners. Over the two years 2006-08, we provided £1.1 million in support for the BID pilot programme, and we are continuing to provide seedcorn funding grants and practical support on the ground for local partners seeking to establish a BID. This will help create more vibrant and viable town and city centres. In addition, we are removing or reducing business rates through the Small Business Bonus Scheme as part of our drive to create an environment in which small businesses - many of them in our town centres - can flourish, underpinned by a fair taxation system. By cutting overheads and enabling them to invest more, the scheme is helping to sustain tens of thousands of small businesses across the country. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226667,"EventID":"S3W-20060","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children from households below the poverty line have benefited from the free school meals pilots.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children from households below the poverty line have benefited from the free school meals pilots.","AnswerText":"All P1 to P3 pupils in the five local authorities that participated in the free school lunch trial, including children from households below the poverty line in each authority, had access to free nutritious lunches during the trial. However, it is not possible to determine the actual number of children from households below the poverty line who have benefited from the trial because statistics on households below the average income level are not available at a local authority level. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Adam Ingram","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226668,"EventID":"S3W-20061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many car owners from households below the poverty line have benefited from the policy on free car parking at hospitals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many car owners from households below the poverty line have benefited from the policy on free car parking at hospitals.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226669,"EventID":"S3W-20062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many individuals from households below the poverty line have benefited from the extension of the free prescription scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many individuals from households below the poverty line have benefited from the extension of the free prescription scheme.","AnswerText":"We estimate that around 256,000 individuals living in relative poverty before housing costs will benefit from the reduction in prescription charges when they buy prescriptions. We do not know how many have benefited since the charge was reduced on 1 April 2008, as the annual income of people paying NHS prescription charges is not collected. The Scottish Government''s commitment to abolish prescription charges in April 2011 will benefit everyone who pays for prescriptions. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226670,"EventID":"S3W-20063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students from households below the poverty line are benefiting from the abolition of the graduate endowment scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students from households below the poverty line are benefiting from the abolition of the graduate endowment scheme.","AnswerText":"A household is in poverty according to the UK and Scottish Governments'' preferred poverty definition if its household income is below 60% of the median UK household income before housing costs. The household income used in this definition is adjusted to take into account of household size. There are, therefore, different poverty lines for households of different sizes. Income data held by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland does not include income from all members of the household and is not adjusted to account of household size. It is therefore not possible to determine if a student comes from a household which is in poverty according to this definition. I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-13234 on 2 June 2008, which gives an estimate of the number of students with benefactor incomes below £16,000 who may benefit from the abolition of the graduate endowment. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226671,"EventID":"S3W-20064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people received direct payments in (a) 2007 and (b) 2008, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people received direct payments in (a) 2007 and (b) 2008, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"The information requested is in the following table: Number of Clients Receiving Self-Directed Support (Direct Payment) Packages by Local Authority, 2007 and 2008 | | Number of Clients | | 2007 | 2008 | | Aberdeen City | 101 | 113 | | Aberdeenshire | 101 | 132 | | Angus | 40 | 47 | | Argyll and Bute | 89 | 104 | | Clackmannanshire | 32 | 22 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 141 | 163 | | Dundee City | 38 | 44 | | East Ayrshire | 51 | 64 | | East Dunbartonshire | 23 | 36 | | East Lothian | 31 | 46 | | East Renfrewshire | 15 | 37 | | Edinburgh | 209 | 273 | | Eilean Siar | 8 | 11 | | Falkirk | 61 | 52 | | Fife | 309 | 334 | | Glasgow | 193 | 208 | | Highland | 225 | 176 | | Inverclyde | 9 | Value of Self-Directed Support (Direct Payment) Packages by Local Authority, 2007 and 2008 | | Value of Direct Payments (£000) | | 2007 | 2008 | | Aberdeen City | 878 | 1,031 | | Aberdeenshire | 714 | 1,693 | | Angus | 619 | 697 | | Argyll and Bute | 1,326 | 1,458 | | Clackmannanshire | 203 | 177 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 1,380 | 1,590 | | Dundee City | 408 | 466 | | East Ayrshire | 568 | 752 | | East Dunbartonshire | 302 | 394 | | East Lothian | 750 | 812 | | East Renfrewshire | 158 | 352 | | Edinburgh | 3,652 | 4,386 | | Eilean Siar | 22 | 21 | | Falkirk | 487 | 570 | | Fife | ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226673,"EventID":"S3W-20066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many under-18s were (a) arrested and (b) charged for purchasing or attempting to purchase alcohol in 2007-08.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many under-18s were (a) arrested and (b) charged for purchasing or attempting to purchase alcohol in 2007-08.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of under 18s arrested for purchasing or attempting to purchase alcohol is not held centrally, only the number of offences recorded. There were 115 of these offences recorded in 2007-08 and 131 in 2006-07. Information on the number of under 18s charged for purchasing or attempting to purchase alcohol is not held centrally. Criminal proceedings data for 2007-08 is still being processed and the data is therefore not available at this time. The 2007-08 data is planned for release in April 2009. There were seven persons proceeded against in court for this offence in 2006-07. The statistics dealing with recorded crime and court proceedings are not directly comparable as a person may be proceeded against for more than one crime involving more than one victim and there is the possibility that the crime recorded by the police may be altered in the course of judicial proceedings. Also a crime may be recorded by the police in one year and court proceedings concluded in a subsequent year. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226674,"EventID":"S3W-20067","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the drafts of the second-phase single outcome agreements will be submitted in February 2009.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the drafts of the second-phase single outcome agreements will be submitted in February 2009.","AnswerText":"In accordance with the guidance issued in October 2008, Community Planning Partnerships are working towards submitting their draft single outcome agreements to the Scottish Government by the end of February 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226675,"EventID":"S3W-20068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the second-phase single outcome agreements will be finalised and agreed in June 2009.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the second-phase single outcome agreements will be finalised and agreed in June 2009.","AnswerText":"In accordance with the guidance issued in October 2008, the Scottish Government and Community Planning Partnerships are working towards having all second phase SOAs finalised and agreed by June 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226676,"EventID":"S3W-20069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the interim reports on the progress made in implementing first-phase single outcome agreements will be published in April 2009.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the interim reports on the progress made in implementing first-phase single outcome agreements will be published in April 2009.","AnswerText":"In accordance with the guidance issued in October 2008, local government will, for one year only, provide an interim progress report on their first phase SOAs in April 2009. A consolidated report based on the information received will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226677,"EventID":"S3W-20070","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the final reports on the progress made in implementing first-phase single outcome agreements will be published in September 2009.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the final reports on the progress made in implementing first-phase single outcome agreements will be published in September 2009.","AnswerText":"In accordance with guidance issued in October 2008, councils will work towards producing an annual report on first-phase single outcome agreements in September 2009. The Scottish Government and our local government partners are presently considering the form which annual reporting, beginning in September 2009, should take, including publication arrangements. I shall ensure that the product of this reporting is made available to Parliament. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226678,"EventID":"S3W-20071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the second-phase single outcome agreements will be based on the revised guidance issued in October 2008.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the second-phase single outcome agreements will be based on the revised guidance issued in October 2008.","AnswerText":"Yes. Second-phase single outcome agreements will be based on revised guidance issued in October 2008. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226679,"EventID":"S3W-20072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the targets and indicators agreed in second-phase single outcome agreements (SOAs) may be significantly different from those in the first-phase SOAs given that th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the targets and indicators agreed in second-phase single outcome agreements (SOAs) may be significantly different from those in the first-phase SOAs given that they will be based on revised guidance.","AnswerText":"The National Indicators and Targets used in the development of the first phase of single outcome agreements (SOAs) are unchanged for the second phase. There are some changes to the Menu of Local Indicators but these changes are minimal. Most of the Indicators used in the first phase feature in the second phase guidance. In addition, several new indicators have been included in the second phase guidance based on the extent of their usage in the initial SOAs. However, it is important to recognise that the Menu of Local Indicators is not a mandatory menu. Priority outcomes contained in the 2009-10 SOAs, and agreed by the full Community Planning Partnership, may differ from those in the 2008-09 SOA. In such circumstances, the supporting indicators and targets would themselves differ. The guidance makes clear that the use of Indicators from the menu remains a matter for local choice. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226680,"EventID":"S3W-20073","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the progress made in implementing indicators and targets in second-phase single outcome agreements (SOAs) can be compared with that in the first-phase SOAs, given","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the progress made in implementing indicators and targets in second-phase single outcome agreements (SOAs) can be compared with that in the first-phase SOAs, given that they will be based on revised guidance.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20072 on 30 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226681,"EventID":"S3W-20074","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an analysis of the interim reports of progress made in implementing first-phase single outcome agreements in April 2009.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an analysis of the interim reports of progress made in implementing first-phase single outcome agreements in April 2009.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20069 on 30 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226682,"EventID":"S3W-20075","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it took in the accountability review of NHS Dumfries and Galloway to ensure that it achieved the recommended minimum ratio of supervisors of midwives to midwiv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it took in the accountability review of NHS Dumfries and Galloway to ensure that it achieved the recommended minimum ratio of supervisors of midwives to midwives of one to 15.","AnswerText":"This issue was not specifically discussed at the annual review meeting on 23 June. However, I expect NHS Dumfries and Galloway to ensure that they meet the Nursing and Midwifery Council minimum standard of one supervisor to 15 midwives. All NHS boards, including NHS Dumfries and Galloway, are putting in place plans to increase the number of supervisors in order to meet the required standards. \r\nfor h","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226683,"EventID":"S3W-20076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it wrote to community councils regarding the launch of its Householder Permitted Development Rights: Consultation Paper.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it wrote to community councils regarding the launch of its Householder Permitted Development Rights: Consultation Paper.","AnswerText":"Officials did not directly write to all Community Councils to advise them of this consultation. An alert advising of the publication of the Householder Permitted Development Rights consultation paper was sent to all those community councils who have registered for the Directorate for the Built Environment''s (DBE''s) e-alert system and those who have asked for hard copies of such alerts to be sent to them by post. In the 2007 move to electronic publication the DBE wrote to all parties previously registered to receive hard copy documents by post to advise them of this change and how they could register to receive e-alerts. In addition to a reminder to those parties generally, DBE issued a further letter specifically to community councils in March 2008 which brought on-going planning consultations to their attention and again reminded them of the need to register on the new system. The internet web address to register for DBE news alerts is http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/planning/news/e-news. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226684,"EventID":"S3W-20077","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Medicines Consortium will follow the risk-share process in appraising new medicines, as accepted by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Ex","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Medicines Consortium will follow the risk-share process in appraising new medicines, as accepted by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in England.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is aware of proposals for patient access schemes in England which are also sometimes referred to as market access or risk share schemes. The Scottish Government has asked the Scottish Medicines Consortium to examine the benefits and practicalities of these schemes within the Scottish context and a report will be available in due course. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226685,"EventID":"S3W-20078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of prisoners represents those assessed as having an alcohol problem at point of admission in 2007-08, broken down by prison.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of prisoners represents those assessed as having an alcohol problem at point of admission in 2007-08, broken down by prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: Prisoners are not assessed at the point of admission. Following admission into custody, an Integrated Case Management (ICM) process is initiated within the first 72 hours of custody. Each prisoner in custody for more than seven days undertakes a core screening which determines the need for referral to specialist services, including substance misuse services (available to prisoners in custody for 31 days or more). The following table provides information relating to admission to local prisons and assessments undertaken. | Local Prison Establishment | Admissions 2007-08 | No of Alcohol ICM Assessments Completed 01-04-07 to 31-03-08 | % of Admissions completed ICM Substance Misuse Assessment for Alcohol | | Aberdeen | 1,413 | 39 | 3 | | Barlinnie | 7,434 | 241 | 3 | | Cornton Vale | 2,097 | 60 | 3 | | Dumfries | 649 | 69 | 11 | | Edinburgh | 3,161 | 82 | 3 | | Greenock | 1,858 | 110 | 6 | | Inverness | 1,307 | 81 | 6 | | Perth | 3,140 | 61 | 2 | | Polmont | 1,865 | 332 | 18 | | Total | 22,924 | 1,075 | 5 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226686,"EventID":"S3W-20079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of prisoners it estimates to (a) have or (b) have had an alcohol problem.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of prisoners it estimates to (a) have or (b) have had an alcohol problem.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The 2008 prisoner survey indicates that 49% of prisoners responding say that they were drunk at the time of their offence. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226687,"EventID":"S3W-20080","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of offences was committed when the offender was under the influence of alcohol in 2007-08, broken down by category of offence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of offences was committed when the offender was under the influence of alcohol in 2007-08, broken down by category of offence.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of offences committed when the offender was under the influence of alcohol is not held centrally. Data available for crimes/offences related to alcohol is where the involvement of alcohol is implicit in the offence, such as drunk driving etc, drunkenness, contravention of liquor licensing laws, offences by Licensed Persons and consumption of alcohol in designated places prohibited by byelaws. The annual Prisoner Survey, carried out by the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), asks prisoners if they were drunk at the time of their offence. In the Prisoner Survey for 2008, the latest year for which information is available, 49 per cent of prisoners claimed to be drunk at the time of their offence (Prisoner Survey 2008, SPS Research Bulletin, October 2008). This compares with figures for 2006 and 2007 of 44 per cent and 45 per cent respectively. Please note that it is not possible to break the figures down further by category of offence. It should also be noted that the information is based on self report from prisoners themselves. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226688,"EventID":"S3W-20081","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of offences was linked to alcohol misuse in 2007-08, broken down by category of offence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of offences was linked to alcohol misuse in 2007-08, broken down by category of offence.","AnswerText":"Data available for crimes/offences related to alcohol is where the involvement of alcohol is implicit in the offence, such as drunkenness, drunk driving etc, contravention of liquor licensing laws, offences by licensed persons and consumption of alcohol in designated places prohibited by byelaws. The following table gives the number of offences linked to alcohol misuse in 2007-08. Offences of Drunkenness/Drink Driving Recorded by the Police in Scotland, 2007-08 | Offence | Total Scotland | | Drunkenness: | | | Drunk and incapable and habitual drunkenness | 5,506 | | Drunk in charge of a child | 104 | | Drunk and attempting to enter licensed premises | 156 | | Drunk or drinking in unlicensed premises | 60 | | Disorderly on licensed premises | 545 | | Drunk in or attempting to enter designated sports ground | 331 | | Drunk Driving etc: | | | Driving motor vehicle while unfit through drink or drugs | 651 | | In charge of motor vehicle while unfit through drink or drugs | 107 | | Driving motor vehicle with blood alcohol content above prescribed limit | 7,177 | | In charge of motor vehicle while blood alcohol content above limit | 640 | | Failure to provide breath specimen at roadside | 931 | | Failure to provide breath, blood or urine specimen at police station | 1,191 | | Total | 17,399 | The proportion of all offences in Scotland in 2007-08 that relate to drunkenness/drunk driving was 3 per cent, given that there were a total of 571,881 offences. The table may include some offences relating to drug, not alcohol, misuse. It does not include any offences by licensed persons or offences against liquor licensing laws. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226689,"EventID":"S3W-20082","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18896 by Kenny MacAskill on 9 January 2009, how many prisoners benefited from the Substance Related Offending Behaviour Programme i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18896 by Kenny MacAskill on 9 January 2009, how many prisoners benefited from the Substance Related Offending Behaviour Programme in 2007-08, broken down by prison. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: A total of 16 prisoners completed the Substance Related Offending Behaviour Programme (SROBP) in 2007-08, eight completed the programme in HMP Aberdeen and a further eight completed it in HMP Shotts. This was the first year that the programme had been introduced. Delivery was restricted to these sites to pilot and road-test the programme to inform any necessary changes. The SROBP has subsequently been rolled out to a further five prisons in 2008-09: Glenochil, Cornton Vale, Polmont, Edinburgh and Barlinnie. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226690,"EventID":"S3W-20083","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18896 by Kenny MacAskill on 9 January 2009, how many prisoners were assessed as suitable for the Substance Related Offending Behavi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18896 by Kenny MacAskill on 9 January 2009, how many prisoners were assessed as suitable for the Substance Related Offending Behaviour Programme in 2007-08, broken down by prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The Substance Related Offending Behaviour Programme (SROBP) was piloted during 2007-08 at two sites, HM Prisons Aberdeen and Shotts. This was the first year that the programme had been introduced. Delivery was restricted to these sites to pilot and road-test the programme to inform any necessary changes. Consequently there was no systematic assessment process in place during that year to generate lists of those suitable for participation. The SROBP has subsequently been rolled out to a further five prisons in 2008-09: Glenochil, Cornton Vale, Polmont, Edinburgh and Barlinnie. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226691,"EventID":"S3W-20084","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19592 by Kenny MacAskill on 19 January 2009, how many prisoners were assessed as suitable for approved activity Alcohol Awareness i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19592 by Kenny MacAskill on 19 January 2009, how many prisoners were assessed as suitable for approved activity Alcohol Awareness in 2007-08. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: Alcohol-related issues may surface during induction interviews. Providing the prisoner is prepared to engage he/she will be referred for participation on Alcohol Awareness. Attendance is then prioritised using liberation dates to allow participation prior to release where possible. A referral list of those suitable is constantly changing throughout the year with short‘term prisoner turnover, numbers assessed as suitable for Alcohol Awareness are not available. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226692,"EventID":"S3W-20085","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19588 by Kenny MacAskill on 19 January 2009, how many offenders were (a) assessed as suitable for and (b) completed each of the pri","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19588 by Kenny MacAskill on 19 January 2009, how many offenders were (a) assessed as suitable for and (b) completed each of the prisoner programmes and approved activities that address substance misuse in 2007-08, broken down by prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: A total of 1,061 substance related programmes or approved activities were completed in Scottish prisons during 2007-08. This was 181 completions above the target of 880 set at the beginning of the year. The following table provides details. SPS delivers a suite of Programmes and Approved Activities that address substance misuse issues which is continually evolving to keep pace with current practice and changes in substance abuse trends in the community. For example, the delivery of Lifeline concluded in 2007-08 as it was being replaced by the Substance Related Offending Behaviour Programme (SROBP) which was piloted that year. These interventions range from basic awareness sessions to programmes aimed at addressing criminogenic need. This reflects the range of potential clients from those serving short sentences to those with long sentences with associated offences. The duration of these interventions also reflects what each is trying to achieve ranging from 16 hours for Alcohol Awareness to approximately 120 hours for SROBP. The assessment processes are similarly diverse, for example: Alcohol Awareness “ alcohol-related issues may surface during induction interviews. Providing the prisoner is prepared to engage he/she will be referred for participation on Alcohol Awareness. Attendance is then prioritised using liberation dates to allow participation prior to release where possible. The referral list of those suitable is therefore constantly changing throughout the year with short-term prisoner turnover. SROBP - has a more complicated and sophisticated selection process, including a file review, interview and multi-disciplinary discussion. As waiting lists change throughout the year due to prisoner turnover the numbers assessed as suitable for each intervention is not available. Table: Substance Related Interventions “ Delivery 2007-08 | Prison | Programme/Approved Activity | No. Completed | | Aberdeen | Substance Related Offending Behaviour Prog. (pilot) | 8 | | | Alcohol Awareness | 35 | | | First Step | 19 | | Barlinnie | Lifeline | 14 | | | Alcohol Awareness | 25 | | | First Step | 63 | | Cornton Vale | Alcohol Awareness | 18 | | ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226693,"EventID":"S3W-20086","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of prisoners represents those assessed as having a substance misuse problem at point of admission in 2007-08, broken down by prison.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of prisoners represents those assessed as having a substance misuse problem at point of admission in 2007-08, broken down by prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: Prisoners are not assessed at the point of admission. Following admission into custody, an Integrated Case Management (ICM) process is initiated within the first 72 hours of custody. Each prisoner in custody for more than seven days undertakes a core screening which determines the need for referral to specialist services, including substance misuse services (available to prisoners in custody for 31 days or more). The following table provides information relating to admission to local prisons and assessments undertaken. | Local Prison Establishment | Admissions 2007-08 | No of ICM Substance Misuse Assessments COMPLETED 01-04-07 to 31-03-08 | % of Admissions completed ICM Substance Misuse Assessment | | Aberdeen | 1,413 | 219 | 15 | | Barlinnie | 7,434 | 887 | 12 | | Cornton Vale | 2,097 | 485 | 23 | | Dumfries | 649 | 187 | 29 | | Edinburgh | 3,161 | 411 | 13 | | Greenock | 1,858 | 365 | 20 | | Inverness | 1,307 | 157 | 12 | | Perth | 3,140 | 390 | 12 | | Polmont | 1,865 | 659 | 35 | | Total | 22,924 | 3,760 | 16 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226694,"EventID":"S3W-20087","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of prisoners it estimates to (a) have or (b) have had a substance misuse problem.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of prisoners it estimates to (a) have or (b) have had a substance misuse problem.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: Sixty-four percent of prisoners tested positive for illegal drugs on entry into prison during 2007-08 addiction prevalence testing. 49% of the prisoner population has a problem with alcohol, as indicated by the number of prisoners who responded to the 2008 prisoner survey to say that they were drunk at the time of their offence. In the same survey 79% of prisoners indicate they smoke tobacco. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226695,"EventID":"S3W-20088","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in the event of an employee of Forestry Commission Scotland not taking up an offer of job transfer under the transfer of undertakings (protection of employment) regulati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in the event of an employee of Forestry Commission Scotland not taking up an offer of job transfer under the transfer of undertakings (protection of employment) regulations (TUPE) under the proposed plans to lease up to one quarter of the most commercially-viable, publicly-owned forests, whether that employee will be deemed to have resigned from their post.","AnswerText":"The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (TUPE) regulations do not provide for an offer of job transfer “ employees are transferred automatically under the regulations. However, Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) would ensure that it made every effort to find an alternative role for any employee who did not wish to transfer. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226696,"EventID":"S3W-20089","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in the event of an employee of Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) not taking up an offer of job transfer under the transfer of undertakings (protection of employment) re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in the event of an employee of Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) not taking up an offer of job transfer under the transfer of undertakings (protection of employment) regulations (TUPE) under the proposed plans to lease up to one quarter of the most commercially-viable, publicly-owned forests and wishing to remain an FCS employee, whether that employee would be offered an alternative position in FCS or offered voluntary redundancy.","AnswerText":"If any employee expressed a preference to remain with Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS), rather than transfer under the TUPE regulations, FCS would make every effort to find the employee an alternative role. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226697,"EventID":"S3W-20090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19457 by Frank Mulholland on 20 January 2008, how many direct measures have been issued by procurators fiscal in relation to allege","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19457 by Frank Mulholland on 20 January 2008, how many direct measures have been issued by procurators fiscal in relation to alleged offences under section 5(2) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 since April 2008, broken down by (a) type of drug, (b) class of drug and (c) sheriff court district.","AnswerText":"The information requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. While the use of direct measures for possession of Class A drugs in very exceptional circumstances cannot be discounted, the clear policy is that they should only be issued for possession of small quantities of Class B and Class C drugs such as cannabis. Guidance to procurators fiscal makes it clear that possession of a Class A drug is not appropriate for a Direct Measure and should be prosecuted in the sheriff court. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank Mulholland","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226698,"EventID":"S3W-20091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, if the bull hire farms are to remain in its ownership, whether their use will be for the sole benefit of crofting and, if they are to be sold, whether the money obtained","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, if the bull hire farms are to remain in its ownership, whether their use will be for the sole benefit of crofting and, if they are to be sold, whether the money obtained will be retained for the benefit of crofting.","AnswerText":"No decisions have yet been taken on the future use or disposal of Balrobert and Knocknagael farms, south of Inverness. The aim has always been to ensure that resources tied up in the present uneconomic and unviable bull hire scheme are freed up so as better to serve the interests of crofting. We shall settle our future expenditure plans in the light of the Scottish Government''s overall response to the Report of the Shucksmith Inquiry and future arrangements for financial assistance to crofters and crofting. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226699,"EventID":"S3W-20092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost was of awarding the contract for the National Sexual Health (NaSH) system to AxSys Technology Ltd and the cost of any ongoing related data services provided","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost was of awarding the contract for the National Sexual Health (NaSH) system to AxSys Technology Ltd and the cost of any ongoing related data services provided.","AnswerText":"The costs of awarding the contract for the National Sexual Health System (NaSH) to AxSys Technology Ltd are set out in the following table: | Development and Implementation | £557,000 ex VAT | | Annual Support Charge | £100,260 ex VAT | ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226700,"EventID":"S3W-20093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the NHS boards in which the National Sexual Health (NaSH) system is in operation and when it expects the remaining boards to begin operating the syst","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the NHS boards in which the National Sexual Health (NaSH) system is in operation and when it expects the remaining boards to begin operating the system.","AnswerText":"The NHS boards currently using the National Sexual Health (NaSH) system are: Ayrshire and Arran Borders Dumfries and Galloway Greater Glasgow and Clyde Lanarkshire Lothian. Tayside and Grampian NHS Boards will be live by the end of March 2009 and all remaining boards will implement NaSH by December 2009 when the Implementation Programme is scheduled to finish. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226701,"EventID":"S3W-20094","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18514 by Nicola Sturgeon on 11 December 2008, how many of the prescribed items for antibiotics were for hospitals only, broken down","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18514 by Nicola Sturgeon on 11 December 2008, how many of the prescribed items for antibiotics were for hospitals only, broken down by (a) NHS board and (b) hospital in (i) 2005-06, (ii) 2006-07 and (iii) 2007-08.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of prescribed items for antibiotics prescribed by secondary care units and dispensed by community pharmacists is given in the table Antibacterial Items by secondary care unit 2005-06 to 2007-08 a copy of which has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 47475). The data in the table refers to antibacterial items prescribed by secondary care units and dispensed by community pharmacists. It does not include the direct supply of medicines to patients from hospitals or hospital-based clinics. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226702,"EventID":"S3W-20095","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is normal practice for an individual who is subject to an extradition order to be held on remand during consideration of their extradition.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is normal practice for an individual who is subject to an extradition order to be held on remand during consideration of their extradition.","AnswerText":"All crimes and offences are bailable including those offences which come under the Extradition Act 2003. Decisions on bail are however matters for the court and will therefore be taken after giving full consideration to all the relevant factors, including the likelihood of the subject absconding. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226703,"EventID":"S3W-20096","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any differences in the way in which courts in Scotland handle extradition matters compared with courts in England and Wales and, if so, what the di","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any differences in the way in which courts in Scotland handle extradition matters compared with courts in England and Wales and, if so, what the differences are.","AnswerText":"Although extradition is a reserved matter, the Extradition Act 2003 confers certain functions on the Scottish ministers; accordingly, requests for the extradition of a person resident in Scotland are dealt with by them if the country seeking extradition is designated as a category 2 territory. Category 2 territories are certain designated, non-EU, countries. The procedures for extradition in Scotland are very similar to those England and Wales. However, slight differences exist because of the separate legal systems and where necessary the Extradition Act 2003 makes explicit provision accounting for these differences. For example, sections 26 to 34 and sections 103 to 116 of the 2003 act provide for appeals against decisions to extradite to category 1 and category 2 territories respectively. In England and Wales an individual may be able to appeal an extradition decision to the High Court, and that decision may be appealed to the House of Lords. Extradition decisions in Scotland may be appealed to the High Court of Justiciary (the highest criminal court in Scotland), and there is no right of appeal to the House of Lords. There is a further practical difference in respect of Scottish proceedings which occurs as a result of the provisions in the Scotland Act 1998. Under Schedule 6 of that act, a person may raise a devolution issue in respect of (among other things) a question of whether or not the exercise of functions by the Scottish Executive would be compatible with their rights under the European Convention on Human Rights. Decisions on devolution issues may be referred not only to the High Court of Justiciary, but also the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. Section 226 of the 2003 act specifies certain of the 2003 act provisions which are limited in extent to various parts of the UK. For further information on the application of specific sections in each of the jurisdictions of the UK, reference should be made to the provisions of the act itself. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226704,"EventID":"S3W-20097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) men and (b) women were made redundant in 2008.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) men and (b) women were made redundant in 2008.","AnswerText":"The Annual Population Survey (APS) contains information about people who have been made redundant. Respondents to the survey are asked whether they had been made redundant in the three months prior to taking part in the survey. The most recent data available from the APS are for the year July 2007 - June 2008 and are given in table 1. Table 1 People made Redundant in the Preceding Three Months, Scotland, July 2007 to June 2008 | Male | 6,400 | | Female | 4,700 | | Total | 11,100 | Source: Annual Population Survey July 2007 to June 2008. Note: Levels have been rounded to the nearest hundred. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226705,"EventID":"S3W-20098","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost is in terms of its budget of the council tax freeze and the reduction in business rates in the current spending review period.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost is in terms of its budget of the council tax freeze and the reduction in business rates in the current spending review period.","AnswerText":"The cost of the council tax freeze in 2008-09 is £70 million. A further £70 million is available in each of the next two years to extend the freeze up to 2010-11. The total cost of the council tax freeze over the full spending review period will depend on the decisions of individual councils. The projected cost of the Small Business Bonus Scheme in 2008-09 is currently estimated to be around £70 million. A final figure will not be available until later this year. The total cost of the scheme over the full spending review period will not be known until after the end of the period. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226706,"EventID":"S3W-20099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many legislative consent motions, formerly Sewel motions, have been approved by the Parliament in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many legislative consent motions, formerly Sewel motions, have been approved by the Parliament in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out in the following tables. Sewel Motions by Parliamentary Year - Session 1 | | Sewel Motions | | 12 May 1999 “ 11 May 2000 | 10 | | 12 May 2000 “ 11 May 2001 | 15 | | 12 May 2001 “ 11 May 2002 | 7 | | 12 May 2002 “ 31 March 2003 | 9 | | Total Session 1 | 41 | *These figures differ from those in Scottish Parliament Fact Sheet FS4-06 (9 January 2008) and have been adjusted to enable a direct comparison with subsequent years. The adjusted figures represent a separate motion for each relevant bill. Initial practice in the Parliament was to allow one motion to cover more than one bill. The fact sheet figures are seven and 16 respectively. Sewel Motions / Legislative Consent Motions by Parliamentary Year - Session 2 | | Sewel Motions/LCMs* | | 7 May 2003 - 6 May 2004 | 13 | | 7 May 2004 “ 6 May 2005 | 9 | | 7 May 2005 “ 6 May 2006 | 8 (+2 memoranda**) | | 7 May 2006 - 2 April 2007 | 8 (+1 memorandum**) | | Total Session 2 | 38 (41 memoranda) | Notes: *Chapter 9B of Standing Orders, setting out the new LCM procedure and replacing Sewel Motions, was inserted on 30 November 2005. **There were three instances in which Legislative Consent Memoranda were required to be lodged in accordance with Standing Orders, but no Legislative Consent Motion resulted. Legislative Consent Motions by Parliamentary Year - Session 3 | | LCMs | | 9 May 2007 “ 8 May 2008 | 8 | | 9 May 2008 “ Present | 2 | | Total Session 3 to date | 10 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226707,"EventID":"S3W-20100","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any difference of approach to legislative consent motions compared with previous administrations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any difference of approach to legislative consent motions compared with previous administrations.","AnswerText":"Our approach is to act always in the Scottish national interest. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226708,"EventID":"S3W-20101","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a national deaf mental health service will be in place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a national deaf mental health service will be in place.","AnswerText":"Mental health services for those with sensory loss are developing and improving. A new dedicated community service and a deaf counselling service are now operational in Lothian. National access to specialist in-patient services when needed is provided by the John Denmark Unit in Manchester. We are looking to improve on current arrangements and are considering the merits of a Scotland-based in-patient facility. We are also considering how to improve regional specialist community services with the three regional planning partnerships. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226709,"EventID":"S3W-20102","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied with the decision of Orkney Islands Council not to approve new applications for direct payments due to budgetary constraints.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied with the decision of Orkney Islands Council not to approve new applications for direct payments due to budgetary constraints.","AnswerText":"Officials have been in touch with Orkney Islands Council to clarify the position. Orkney has made clear that there is no intention to withdraw existing direct payments. The waiting list for direct payments is regularly reviewed and applications are actioned as additional resources become available. In the interim, clients on the waiting list are offered social care services. Scottish Government statistics make clear that Orkney currently has the highest rate of clients per 10,000 population receiving direct payments. The council is actively looking at the existing position, the current financial pressures, and projected additional financial demands to resolve this situation. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/10/27092036/0. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226710,"EventID":"S3W-20103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-16463 by Michael Russell on 30 September 2008, which body is responsible for clearing debris below the high-water mark on beaches.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-16463 by Michael Russell on 30 September 2008, which body is responsible for clearing debris below the high-water mark on beaches.","AnswerText":"In general terms such marine pollution comes within the jurisdiction of the UK Government. Responsibility for enforcing the relevant legislation falls to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency of the Department for Transport. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226711,"EventID":"S3W-20104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how tax cuts can be made within its fixed budget.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how tax cuts can be made within its fixed budget.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has powers under the Scotland Act to vary the rate of income tax in Scotland by up to 3p in the pound. Our clear policy is not to exercise these powers at this time. We have supported local authorities to freeze council tax in 2008-09 and 2009-10 through increased grant funding. This provides much needed relief to households in Scotland. We have been able to provide funding to support the council tax freeze through effective and efficient use of our fixed budget. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226712,"EventID":"S3W-20105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive from where the proposal to lease parts of the national forest estate originated.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive from where the proposal to lease parts of the national forest estate originated.","AnswerText":"There are examples of leasing public forest land in a number of other countries, including New Zealand, Canada and Australia. Also, a National Audit Office report in 1998 on the disposal of Forestry Commission land said that leasing could help protect public access and help rationalise the forest estate. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226713,"EventID":"S3W-20106","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who proposed that it enter into discussions with representatives of Rothschild regarding the national forest estate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who proposed that it enter into discussions with representatives of Rothschild regarding the national forest estate.","AnswerText":"Rothschild approached the Scottish Government with ideas about the national forest estate. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226714,"EventID":"S3W-20107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who agreed to its discussions with representatives of Rothschild regarding the national forest estate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who agreed to its discussions with representatives of Rothschild regarding the national forest estate.","AnswerText":" The Scottish Government is always open to consider constructive new ideas. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226715,"EventID":"S3W-20108","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings or discussions it has had with representatives of Rothschild to discuss the national forest estate and who was present.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings or discussions it has had with representatives of Rothschild to discuss the national forest estate and who was present.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers attended two meetings with Rothschild. Officials also attended a number of meetings. In total, six meetings were held, on 17 October 2007, 11 December 2007, 28 January 2008, 13 March 2008, 22 April 2008, and 24 July 2008. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226716,"EventID":"S3W-20109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the minutes or records of its meetings or discussions with representatives of Rothschild about the national forest estate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the minutes or records of its meetings or discussions with representatives of Rothschild about the national forest estate.","AnswerText":"We will, of course, make information available that is releasable under the freedom of information legislation. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226717,"EventID":"S3W-20110","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish any reports and advice received from representatives of Rothschild on the national forest estate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish any reports and advice received from representatives of Rothschild on the national forest estate.","AnswerText":"The only reports received remain the property of Rothschild and were prepared by them on the basis that they remain commercial in confidence. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226718,"EventID":"S3W-20111","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the documentation that it holds regarding the possibility of leasing the national forest estate in relation to the Climate Change (Scotland) Bill ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the documentation that it holds regarding the possibility of leasing the national forest estate in relation to the Climate Change (Scotland) Bill and discussions it has had with representatives of Rothschild.","AnswerText":"We will, of course, make information available that is releasable under the freedom of information legislation. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226719,"EventID":"S3W-20112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs were of its meetings with representatives of Rothschild and of the reports and advice received regarding the national forest estate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs were of its meetings with representatives of Rothschild and of the reports and advice received regarding the national forest estate.","AnswerText":"No payment was made to Rothschild for providing advice about the national forest estate. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226720,"EventID":"S3W-20113","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision is made in the 2009-10 budget for supporting community sentences in light of the proposals in Protecting Scotland’s Communities: Fair, Fast and Flexible Ju","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision is made in the 2009-10 budget for supporting community sentences in light of the proposals in Protecting Scotland’s Communities: Fair, Fast and Flexible Justice.","AnswerText":"A total baseload allocation of £15,425,618 has been made to the Community Justice Authorities for supporting community sentences in 2009-10. This represents an increase of £2 million to support increased workload and to ensure the immediacy and speed of completion of sentences. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226721,"EventID":"S3W-20114","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many additional community sentences are planned for as a result of its proposals on short-term prison sentences as outlined in Protecting Scotland’s Communities: Fair","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many additional community sentences are planned for as a result of its proposals on short-term prison sentences as outlined in Protecting Scotland’s Communities: Fair, Fast and Flexible Justice.","AnswerText":"Our estimates on the number of additional community sentences which might result from the proposals contained in Protecting Scotland''s Communities: Fair, Fast and Flexible Justice, will be published in the Financial Memorandum accompanying the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Bill due to be introduced in Parliament soon. Sentencing decisions are, and will remain, the responsibility of our judges, who are best placed to decide, given the circumstances of each case, what the most appropriate sentence may be. There is nothing in our plans that will change that. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226722,"EventID":"S3W-20115","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the unemployment figures were in each quarter since 1999, broken down by (a) local authority area, (b) parliamentary constituency and (c) parliamentary region.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the unemployment figures were in each quarter since 1999, broken down by (a) local authority area, (b) parliamentary constituency and (c) parliamentary region.","AnswerText":" Information on the number of people claiming an unemployment related benefit (Claimant Count unemployment) by local authority, parliamentary constituency and parliamentary region, for each quarter since 1999, has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 47476). ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226723,"EventID":"S3W-20116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the unemployment figures were for (a) North Lanarkshire, (b) South Lanarkshire and (c) Falkirk council area in each quarter since 1999, broken down by local authorit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the unemployment figures were for (a) North Lanarkshire, (b) South Lanarkshire and (c) Falkirk council area in each quarter since 1999, broken down by local authority ward.","AnswerText":"The claimant count gives the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits and is produced by the Office for National Statistics. Table 1 shows the number of people within North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire and Falkirk who were claiming an unemployment related benefit, for each quarter since 1999. Quarterly figures are based on the average of the three months contained within the quarter. As the statistics are not seasonally adjusted, comparisons should only be made between the same two quarters. Data on unemployment by multi-member electoral ward is not held centrally. Data on the number of people claiming Job Seeker''s Allowance (JSA) by the old ward boundaries (which existed until the 2007 local government elections) is published by the Department for Work and Pensions and can be accessed at the weblink below. http://83.244.183.180/NESS/BEN/jsa.htm. Table 1: Claimant Count Unemployment for Requested Local Authorities, 1999-2008 | Quarter | North Lanarkshire | South Lanarkshire | Falkirk | | January-March 1999 | 10,694 | 7,898 | 4,448 | | April-June 1999 | 10,053 | 7,364 | 4,200 | | July-September 1999 | 9,621 | 7,327 | 3,917 | | October-December 1999 | 8,354 | 6,414 | 3,443 | | January-Mar 2000 | 9,269 | 7,064 | 3,815 | | April-June 2000 | 8,382 | 6,521 | 3,571 | | July-September 2000 | 8,277 | 6,466 | 3,513 | | October-December 2000 | 7,059 | 5,754 | 3,222 | | January-Mar 2001 | 8,073 | 6,227 ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226725,"EventID":"S3W-20118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the design capacity of the Borders railway project is sufficient to meet the peak-period patronage projections.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the design capacity of the Borders railway project is sufficient to meet the peak-period patronage projections.","AnswerText":"The Borders railway project has been designed to ensure that sufficient capacity has been allowed for peak-period patronage based on current patronage predictions. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226726,"EventID":"S3W-20119","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to secure the appropriate possessions to allow the connection of the Borders line with the main network and what steps are still needed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to secure the appropriate possessions to allow the connection of the Borders line with the main network and what steps are still needed.","AnswerText":"An appropriate delivery plan is being agreed with Network Rail to secure connection arrangements. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226727,"EventID":"S3W-20120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that it is appropriate for a patient who has diarrhoea to be discharged to (a) home or (b) a household where there is a vulnerable person.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that it is appropriate for a patient who has diarrhoea to be discharged to (a) home or (b) a household where there is a vulnerable person.","AnswerText":"It would not be appropriate for me to comment on individual cases. Decisions on the fitness of patients to be discharged are made by clinicians on the basis of their own clinical judgement and on a case-by-case basis. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226728,"EventID":"S3W-20121","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional remuneration and dedicated resources it would recommend as incentives for midwives to become supervisors.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional remuneration and dedicated resources it would recommend as incentives for midwives to become supervisors.","AnswerText":"Under current nationally agreed terms and conditions, an allowance of £500 per annum is available for supervisory midwives in recognition of the statutory regulatory duties they perform. The provision of any additional resources is a matter for NHS boards. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226729,"EventID":"S3W-20122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many supervisors of midwives will reach retiring age in each of the next five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many supervisors of midwives will reach retiring age in each of the next five years.","AnswerText":"Specific information about the numbers of supervisors of midwives about to retire is not held centrally. However, we expect Local Supervising Authority Midwifery Officers to succession plan to ensure the appropriate number of supervisors are in place if, and when, staff choose to retire. We are also committed to maximising the skills and expertise of all staff in NHS Scotland, including those in the ageing workforce. We are currently jointly funding with NHS Education for Scotland and the South East (NHS) Education Forum, research on the ageing workforce to determine what NHS Scotland can do to recruit and retain those in this section of the workforce. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226730,"EventID":"S3W-20123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that the rising birth rate and the increased workload resulting from a renewed focus on pregnant women with substance misuse problems is match","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that the rising birth rate and the increased workload resulting from a renewed focus on pregnant women with substance misuse problems is matched by increased numbers of midwives.","AnswerText":"It is for NHS boards to determine the staff required in their local areas. However, we expect NHS boards to take account of local population needs and changes in service provision to ensure a multi-disciplinary and multi-agency approach to the provision of care for this vulnerable group of women. The Nursing and Midwifery Workload and Workforce Planning Programme has been assisting NHS boards to support the implementation of Birthrate Plus and Professional Judgement tools. Following a review of this process a new tool for Maternity Services in Scotland will be developed, taking account of the experience gained from Birthrate Plus and Professional Judgement tools, and taking into account the Midwifery 2020 Programme which NHS Scotland is leading on behalf of the UK. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226731,"EventID":"S3W-20124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the breastfeeding rates were in maternity wards or units dedicated to women suffering from substance misuse in the last year during which such wards or units existed","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the breastfeeding rates were in maternity wards or units dedicated to women suffering from substance misuse in the last year during which such wards or units existed.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not centrally available as maternity ward or unit level information cannot be identified from national data collected on breastfeeding rates. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226732,"EventID":"S3W-20125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome was of each of the 19 investigations undertaken by supervisors of midwives or the local midwives supervising authority in 2007-08 and what the method was","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome was of each of the 19 investigations undertaken by supervisors of midwives or the local midwives supervising authority in 2007-08 and what the method was for reporting each of the outcomes.","AnswerText":"Notification of the outcomes of supervisory investigations is provided in the same way in all Local Supervising Authority regions within Scotland. The Local Supervising Authority Midwifery Officer (LSAMO), midwives involved in the investigation and their named Supervisor of Midwives will be informed in writing of the outcome. The Head of Midwifery in the relevant NHS board will also be informed if a midwife requires developmental or supervised practice. Issues relating to system failures highlighted during the investigation will be discussed by the LSAMO and the Head of Midwifery. The outcomes of the investigations carried out in 2007-08 are set out in the following table. | No issues identified | 4 | | No further action | 4 | | Developmental support or supervised practice required | 13 | | Referred to NMC | 2 | | Suspended | 1 | | Contract terminated | 2 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226733,"EventID":"S3W-20126","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-time-equivalent midwives there are and what the ratio of midwives is to the number of births, broken down by (a) NHS board and (b) community health partners","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-time-equivalent midwives there are and what the ratio of midwives is to the number of births, broken down by (a) NHS board and (b) community health partnership.","AnswerText":"Table 1 shows, by NHS board, the number of whole-time equivalent (WTE) midwives, the number of births in Scottish hospitals, and the ratio of births to midwives. Latest available complete information for births in Scottish hospitals is for year ending 31 March 2007 and, for comparison purposes, midwife numbers at 30 September 2007 have been used. Information on births is based on hospital of treatment (rather than residence) to allow comparison with the workforce figures which capture where staff are based. Centrally held workforce information captures the NHS board where staff are employed but does not allow a breakdown by Community Health Partnership. Table 1: Ratio of Midwives (Whole-Time Equivalent) to Births1,2 for 20073 by NHS Board | | BirthsP | Midwives | Ratio | | Scotland | 55,389 | 2,796.9 | 19.8 | | NHS Ayrshire and Arran | 3,752 | 267.5 | 14.0 | | NHS Borders | 1,111 | 57.4 | 19.4 | | NHS Dumfries and Galloway | 1,448 | 123.4 | 11.7 | | NHS Fife | 3,532 | 165.3 | 21.4 | | NHS Forth Valley | 3,226 | 173.5 | 18.6 | | NHS Grampian | 5,986 | 340.8 | 17.6 | | NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde | 15,234 | 677.3 | 22.5 | | NHS Highland | 2,273 | 178.5 | 12.7 | | NHS Lanarkshire | All potential supervisors of midwives must successfully complete a supervisor of midwives course and these boards are putting in place plans to increase the number of supervisors in order to meet the required standards. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226735,"EventID":"S3W-20128","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether plans for the winter at Monklands Hospital took into account the closure of 23 orthopaedic beds and 16 surge beds. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether plans for the winter at Monklands Hospital took into account the closure of 23 orthopaedic beds and 16 surge beds. ","AnswerText":"NHS Lanarkshire have stated that they have not closed any orthopaedic beds at Monklands Hospital. NHS Lanarkshire has a comprehensive system-wide winter plan. All hospitals operate as an emergency clinical network during periods of peak activity. In December, Monklands achieved 98% against the four hour accident and emergency target with a performance of 97% in January. Previously, there were a total of 16 surge beds in Monklands used between December and March. Four of these were in renal with another 12 in Ward 11. However, only eight of these were used. Over the years it became clear that surge capacity was required for patients requiring enhanced discharge support rather than acute care on a hospital site. NHS Lanarkshire therefore took the decision to allied health professions staffing and now use up to 12 beds in this facility for this group of patients. NHS Lanarkshire have stated that these arrangements provide adequate capacity through the winter period. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226736,"EventID":"S3W-20129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the clinical decision unit at Monklands Hospital is included in calculations relating to the accident and emergency four-hour target.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the clinical decision unit at Monklands Hospital is included in calculations relating to the accident and emergency four-hour target.","AnswerText":"NHS Lanarkshire have confirmed that the clinical decision area is used predominantly for patients who have been assessed by a clinician and diagnosed as fit for discharge. During times of peak activity a very small number of accident and emergency patients, who are likely to be discharged, are moved to this area. Accident and emergency activity accounts for less than 5% of all patients in this area. All of these patients would previously have been triaged and seen by clinical staff and would be subject to the four hour target. The most common reason for patients using this area from accident and emergency is whilst they are awaiting results of diagnostic tests that take four hours or more for accurate processing. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226737,"EventID":"S3W-20130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring arrangements are available to patients moved from the Monklands Hospital accident and emergency unit to its clinical decision unit.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring arrangements are available to patients moved from the Monklands Hospital accident and emergency unit to its clinical decision unit.","AnswerText":"NHS Lanarkshire have informed us that the clinical decision area is staffed by registered nurses with additional support from medical staff. This area is the formal clinical responsibility of the consultant accident and emergency staff. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226738,"EventID":"S3W-20131","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients were moved from the Monklands Hospital accident and emergency unit to its clinical decision unit to ensure that the accident and emergency four-hour tar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients were moved from the Monklands Hospital accident and emergency unit to its clinical decision unit to ensure that the accident and emergency four-hour target was being met in each of the last two years.","AnswerText":"NHS Lanarkshire have stated that the clinical decision area is not used in order to meet the four-hour target but is used to manage patients appropriately. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226739,"EventID":"S3W-20132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the practice of removing patient information from monitoring screens in order to meet four-hour targets ceased at Monklands Hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the practice of removing patient information from monitoring screens in order to meet four-hour targets ceased at Monklands Hospital.","AnswerText":"NHS Lanarkshire have stated that they do not, and have never, removed patient information from monitoring screens. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226740,"EventID":"S3W-20133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what quality assurance measures are in place to ensure that no patient information is deleted from accident and emergency unit monitoring screens prior to being seen and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what quality assurance measures are in place to ensure that no patient information is deleted from accident and emergency unit monitoring screens prior to being seen and treated.","AnswerText":"In relation to the Emergency Department Information System (EDIS) only EDIS administrators are able to delete information. EDIS administrators are normally senior clinicians or senior members of staff or members of the IT department and there would be an audit trail if any information was deleted. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226741,"EventID":"S3W-20134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what decisions have been made following the Agricultural Wages in Scotland: The Scottish Agricultural Wages Board consultation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what decisions have been made following the Agricultural Wages in Scotland: The Scottish Agricultural Wages Board consultation.","AnswerText":"No decision has yet been taken on the future of the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226742,"EventID":"S3W-20135","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the retention and expansion of the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the retention and expansion of the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board.","AnswerText":"We will give very careful consideration to future arrangements for determining the pay and conditions of service of agricultural workers in Scotland as part of the review of the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226743,"EventID":"S3W-20136","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated completion date is for improvements to the A96 at the (a) Inveramsay Bridge and (b) Haudagain roundabout.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated completion date is for improvements to the A96 at the (a) Inveramsay Bridge and (b) Haudagain roundabout.","AnswerText":"The Inveramsay Bridge was recognised in the Strategic Transport Projects Review and will be taken into account when a programme of improvements to the A96 is developed. The Inveramsay Bridge is the responsibility of Network Rail; however a safety barrier is to be installed south east of the bridge in the spring at an estimated cost of £73,000. Further structural maintenance proposed north west of the bridge to be undertaken in the financial year 2009-10 at an estimated cost of £175,000. Proposals for improvements to Haudagain Roundabout will be worked up following confirmation of the route of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226744,"EventID":"S3W-20137","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated costs are for improvements to the A96 at the (a) Inveramsay Bridge and (b) Haudagain roundabout.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated costs are for improvements to the A96 at the (a) Inveramsay Bridge and (b) Haudagain roundabout.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20136 on 5 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. Cost estimates will be developed as the schemes progress. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226745,"EventID":"S3W-20138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what preparatory work has been commissioned for improvement works on the A96 at the (a) Inveramsay Bridge and (b) Haudagain roundabout.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what preparatory work has been commissioned for improvement works on the A96 at the (a) Inveramsay Bridge and (b) Haudagain roundabout.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20136 on 5 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226746,"EventID":"S3W-20139","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated costs are for land purchases that will be required for the improvements to the A96 at the Inveramsay Bridge.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated costs are for land purchases that will be required for the improvements to the A96 at the Inveramsay Bridge.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20136 on 5 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. Land estimates will be developed as the scheme progresses. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226747,"EventID":"S3W-20140","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated cost breakdowns are for improvements to the A96 at the (a) Inveramsay Bridge and (b) Haudagain roundabout.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated cost breakdowns are for improvements to the A96 at the (a) Inveramsay Bridge and (b) Haudagain roundabout.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20136 on 5 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. Cost estimates will be developed as the schemes progress. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226748,"EventID":"S3W-20141","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated start date is for work on the A90 Balmedie-Tipperty dual carriageway.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated start date is for work on the A90 Balmedie-Tipperty dual carriageway.","AnswerText":"Draft Road Orders for this Scheme were published on 1 November 2007, with the Draft Compulsory Purchase Order following on 10 July 2008. A number of statutory and non-statutory objections were received and whilst Transport Scotland and their agents have worked to resolve many of these, the matter has now been referred to the Reporters Unit of the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Affairs. Arrangements are underway to hold a Public Local Inquiry (PLI), sometime this summer. Subject to the ministers'' decision following the recommendation of the PLI, the earliest date for publication of the Made Road Orders is expected to be spring/summer 2010. Thereafter the processes of competitively tendering and funding the contract can be commenced. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226749,"EventID":"S3W-20142","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated costs are for the A90 Balmedie-Tipperty dual carriageway.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated costs are for the A90 Balmedie-Tipperty dual carriageway.","AnswerText":"The current cost estimate for the scheme is in the region of £51 to £64 million, exclusive of VAT. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226750,"EventID":"S3W-20143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4080,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding mechanism will be used for work on the A90 Balmedie-Tipperty dual carriageway.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding mechanism will be used for work on the A90 Balmedie-Tipperty dual carriageway.","AnswerText":"It is anticipated that the scheme will funded by conventional means, such as a Design Build Fixed Price Lump Sum. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226751,"EventID":"S3W-20144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of children received a dental check-up (a) on entry to primary school, (b) in primary seven and (c) at secondary school in line with the National Dental I","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of children received a dental check-up (a) on entry to primary school, (b) in primary seven and (c) at secondary school in line with the National Dental Inspection Programme, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"Information regarding the percentage of children that received a basic dental inspection is not available broken down by local authority. Information, however, is available for primary 1 and primary 7 children by NHS board in tables 6 and 7 of part 2, Basic Inspection, in the National Dental Inspection Programme of Scotland Report of the 2007 survey of P7 children which can be found at http://www.scottishdental.org/index.aspx?o=2233. National Dental Inspections are only carried out in local authority primary schools, therefore information is not available for secondary schools. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226752,"EventID":"S3W-20145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of children received an eye test on entry to primary school, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of children received an eye test on entry to primary school, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"Under the current programme for child health screening and surveillance, outlined in Health for All Children (Hall 4) issued as guidance to NHSScotland in 2005, it is recommended that children receive a pre-school vision screen (at three to five years of age). Where a pre-school vision screening programme is not in place, it is recommended vision testing is undertaken in primary 1. Some NHS boards use local systems to record vision screening results and therefore data for these boards are not available centrally. Information on pre-school and primary 1 vision checks is available for NHS boards which record results on the national child health systems. The latest available information on the percentage of children in primary 1 who received a vision check prior to school entry or in primary 1 is for school year 2007-08 and is shown in table 1 by local authority area. NHS boards are at different stages of implementation of pre-school vision screening and this may have affected the coverage figures in some areas whilst these programmes are put in place. Table 1: Number and Percentage of children in Primary 1 in School Year 2007-08 who received a vision check, by Local Authority | Local Authority1 | No. of children in Primary 1 in school year 2007-082 | No. of Children who Received a Vision Check in Primary 13 | No. of children who Received a Vision Check Pre-School4 | | Total5 | 26,888 | 17,314 | 4,706 | | Angus | 1,133 | 886 | 11 | | Borders | 1,171 | 316 | 726 | | Clackmannanshire | 518 | 418 | - | | Dumfries and Galloway | 1,378 | 71 | 789 | | Dundee City6 | 1,370 | 35 | 47 | | East Lothian | 1,016 | 968 | 4 | | City of Edinburgh | 3,725 | 3,207 | 14 | | Falkirk | http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226754,"EventID":"S3W-20147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish details of any consultations it has had with stakeholders in respect of the proposed merger of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland, NHS Qualit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish details of any consultations it has had with stakeholders in respect of the proposed merger of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland, NHS Quality Improvement Scotland and the Care Commission.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20163 on 6 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226755,"EventID":"S3W-20148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial savings it would expect to make by merging the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland with NHS Quality Improvement Scotland and the Care Commission.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial savings it would expect to make by merging the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland with NHS Quality Improvement Scotland and the Care Commission.","AnswerText":"The new bodies will be empowered to plan and work together collaboratively on, for instance, joint inspections in a manner which is not achievable with their current legislative powers. The changes proposed envisage the creation of two new scrutiny bodies which will carry out the functions of the existing bodies including the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland. It will be for the new bodies themselves to decide how they are organised to carry out those functions. The financial costs, savings and benefits for the creation of the new scrutiny bodies will be set out in full in the Financial Memorandum to the Public Services Reform Bill, in which the legislative provisions will be included. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226756,"EventID":"S3W-20149","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what benefits and enhancements, other than financial savings, it envisages achieving in merging the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland with NHS Quality Improvement Sc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what benefits and enhancements, other than financial savings, it envisages achieving in merging the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland with NHS Quality Improvement Scotland and the Care Commission that could not be achieved by closer joint working.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20148 on 6 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226757,"EventID":"S3W-20150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what functions of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland (MWCS) are to be subsumed within any new organisation resulting from the proposed merger of MWCS with NHS Qua","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what functions of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland (MWCS) are to be subsumed within any new organisation resulting from the proposed merger of MWCS with NHS Quality Improvement Scotland and the Care Commission, rather than retained within an independent section, unit, directorate or division of that organisation.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20148 on 6 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. \r\nmso","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226758,"EventID":"S3W-20151","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that the independence of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland will be retained in any new structure arising from its proposed merger with NHS Qua","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that the independence of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland will be retained in any new structure arising from its proposed merger with NHS Quality Improvement Scotland and the Care Commission.","AnswerText":"Ministers have been made aware of the views of the affected bodies and their stakeholders on these proposals which include concerns about the continued independence of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland, particularly in carrying out its safeguarding role. The legislative proposals to be carried forward for the new bodies will ensure the safeguarding functions currently carried out by the MWCS will be maintained. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226759,"EventID":"S3W-20152","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will keep the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland independent of the NHS while keeping NHS Quality Improvement Scotland within the NHS, if the two organisations","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will keep the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland independent of the NHS while keeping NHS Quality Improvement Scotland within the NHS, if the two organisations are merged.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20151 on 6 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226760,"EventID":"S3W-20154","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the recent report in the Stranraer and Wigtownshire Free Press, what support, training and advice will be offered to Stena Line employees in Stranraer facing","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the recent report in the Stranraer and Wigtownshire Free Press, what support, training and advice will be offered to Stena Line employees in Stranraer facing redundancy.","AnswerText":"The local PACE response team has already offered support to Stena Line employees in Stranraer who may be facing redundancy. The type of support will be tailored to meet individual needs and circumstances but will include: access to a new national helpline and improved website; Jobcentre Plus services; one-to-one counselling; comprehensive information packs; access to high quality training; seminars on skills such as CV writing and starting up a business, and access to IT facilities. In light of the current economic climate, we have recently introduced a number of enhancements to the existing Partnership Action for Continuing Employment PACE initiative, including dedicating 80 Skills Development Scotland staff to deliver improved support to individuals facing redundancy. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226761,"EventID":"S3W-20155","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the recent report in the Stranraer and Wigtownshire Free Press, whether it will form a task force to assist Stena Line employees in Stranraer facing redundan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the recent report in the Stranraer and Wigtownshire Free Press, whether it will form a task force to assist Stena Line employees in Stranraer facing redundancy.","AnswerText":"Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) is the Scottish Government''s strategic framework for responding to employees facing redundancy. On 11 January and 26 January the Scottish Government announced a range of measures to strengthen PACE which will enhance the support offered to people facing redundancy. The local PACE response team in Stranraer has already offered support to Stena Line employees and this will be tailored to meet individual needs and circumstances. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226762,"EventID":"S3W-20156","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will outline the conclusions of the research carried out by NHS Scotland into the reasons for non-uptake of cervical cancer screening.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will outline the conclusions of the research carried out by NHS Scotland into the reasons for non-uptake of cervical cancer screening.","AnswerText":"Yes. The research is expected in March 2009 and will be published on the NHS Health Scotland website later this year. The National Advisory Group on Breast and Cervical Screening will consider the findings, before providing advice on potential interventions to improve uptake. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226763,"EventID":"S3W-20157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the comments regarding the reassessed cost of the Forth Replacement Crossing by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth in the Parliament on","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the comments regarding the reassessed cost of the Forth Replacement Crossing by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth in the Parliament on 15 January 2009 (Official Report c. 14088), on what basis the cost of the crossing was previously estimated to be £4 billion and was reduced to £2 billion.","AnswerText":"As the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth stated on 15 January, the reduction in costs can be attributed to the reduced width of the bridge, made possible by utilising the existing Forth Road Bridge for public transport, pedestrians and cyclists. Further reductions have been secured through the use of ITS which has enabled the extent of road construction on the bridge approaches to be reduced, and more refined estimating in light of further detailed surveys, investigations and design development has been possible at this stage. The reduced range of £1.7 billion to £2.3 billion represents the estimate of the cost for the delivery of the project by the most efficient form of construction contract. The choice of procurement options other than a publicly funded design and build contract would increase the cost or reduce the certainty of delivery. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226764,"EventID":"S3W-20158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many opinion polls on issues other than voting intentions it has commissioned since May 2007 and at what cost.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many opinion polls on issues other than voting intentions it has commissioned since May 2007 and at what cost.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not commission opinion polls. We follow the standard definition of opinion polls as being a snapshot of public opinion around voting intention. Information listing social research projects commissioned by the Scottish Government since May 2007, including costs, is published on the Scottish Government website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Research/projects/social. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226765,"EventID":"S3W-20159","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18821 by Stewart Stevenson on 14 January 2009, why no reference was made to cost savings claimed as a result of the funding mechani","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18821 by Stewart Stevenson on 14 January 2009, why no reference was made to cost savings claimed as a result of the funding mechanism.","AnswerText":"In response to question S3W-18821, I explained that the reduction in the cost estimates could be attributed to the reduced width of the bridge, made possible by utilising the existing Forth Road Bridge for public transport, pedestrians and cyclists. I explained that further reductions have been secured through the use of ITS which has enabled the extent of road construction on the bridge approaches to be reduced, and more refined estimating in light of further detailed surveys, investigations and design development has also been possible at this stage. The publicly funded design and build contract provides certainty that the project can be delivered on time and on budget. This certainty has contributed to the refinement of the cost estimates. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226766,"EventID":"S3W-20160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what action can be taken to redress a report that has been laid by the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman that contains factual errors that affected th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what action can be taken to redress a report that has been laid by the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman that contains factual errors that affected the final decision.","AnswerText":" The content of reports laid before the Scottish Parliament are a matter for the bodies laying those reports and any issues arising there from should be taken up with the authors. The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman periodically gives evidence to parliamentary committees, particularly the Local Government and Communities Committee which hears evidence on her annual report each year. This provides opportunities for members to raise issues with the ombudsman in a parliamentary setting. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Fergusson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226767,"EventID":"S3W-20161","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to go ahead with the proposal to merge the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland with NHS Quality Improvement Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to go ahead with the proposal to merge the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland with NHS Quality Improvement Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20151 on 6 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226768,"EventID":"S3W-20162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the merging of an independent protective body such as the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland (MWCS) with NHS Quality Improvement Scotland wo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the merging of an independent protective body such as the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland (MWCS) with NHS Quality Improvement Scotland would create a conflict of interest in relation to the MWCS’s independence from government.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20151 on 6 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226769,"EventID":"S3W-20163","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with key stakeholders about the proposed merger of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland with NHS Quality Improvement Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with key stakeholders about the proposed merger of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland with NHS Quality Improvement Scotland.","AnswerText":"The proposals supporting the First Minister''s statement to the Scottish Parliament on 30 January 2008 on Delivering More Effective Government indicated that the future of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland (MWCS) would be reviewed as part of the consideration of the scrutiny and complaints landscape. The follow-up announcement on 6 November by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth announcing the outcome of this consideration enables discussions on the proposed changes to be undertaken with the bodies and external stakeholders. Engagement with external stakeholders has already begun and further events are planned. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226770,"EventID":"S3W-20164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has produced timescales for any merger of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland with NHS Quality Improvement Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has produced timescales for any merger of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland with NHS Quality Improvement Scotland.","AnswerText":"Yes. The mechanism for the creation of the new scrutiny bodies will be the legislative provisions included in the Public Services Reform Bill which it is now proposed will be introduced to Parliament in May this year. Implementation work is under way in order to establish the bodies by April 2011. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226771,"EventID":"S3W-20165","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it has undertaken and what further consultation it intends to undertake on the proposed merger of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland with NHS Qu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it has undertaken and what further consultation it intends to undertake on the proposed merger of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland with NHS Quality Improvement Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20163 on 6 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226772,"EventID":"S3W-20166","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1820,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":12,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria are used by the NHS when issuing taxi contracts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria are used by the NHS when issuing taxi contracts.","AnswerText":"The criteria used, including those covering access for the disabled, are determined by each NHS board individually taking account of the vehicle types operating in their areas and are detailed in the tender specification for each contract. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226773,"EventID":"S3W-20167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1820,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":12,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the NHS is required to ensure that the vehicles used under its taxi contracts are accessible to disabled people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the NHS is required to ensure that the vehicles used under its taxi contracts are accessible to disabled people.","AnswerText":"There is no legal requirement under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 for taxis to be accessible to people with disabilities including wheelchair users. NHS boards can however stipulate their own requirements in their tender specifications. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226774,"EventID":"S3W-20168","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1820,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":12,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vehicles covered by the patient transport contract are equipped to transport disabled people for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vehicles covered by the patient transport contract are equipped to transport disabled people for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.","AnswerText":"Under NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde''s current patient transport contracts there are 976 vehicles equipped to transport disabled people in the Glasgow area, with a further 23 vehicles so equipped in the Clyde area. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226775,"EventID":"S3W-20169","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18821 by Stewart Stevenson on 14 January 2009 and in light of the comments by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Gro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18821 by Stewart Stevenson on 14 January 2009 and in light of the comments by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth in the Parliament on 15 January 2009 (Official Report c. 14088), for what reasons no reference was made in the answer to the reduced costs associated with the funding mechanism.","AnswerText":"The Cabinet Secretary referred to the reduction of exposure to risk. A different form of procurement option would increase this exposure but given our clear commitment to the use of a design and build contract, it was not necessary to mention this in the answer. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226776,"EventID":"S3W-20170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were employed (a) directly and (b) indirectly in the renewable energy industry in each of the last five years, also broken down by sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were employed (a) directly and (b) indirectly in the renewable energy industry in each of the last five years, also broken down by sector.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. The Scottish Government''s Renewable Energy Action Plan will include an analysis of economic development opportunities and future potential for growth across the renewable energy sector. The Scottish Government will work with Scottish Enterprise on commissioning a study to establish a baseline for employment in the sector. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226777,"EventID":"S3W-20171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it predicts the growth in (a) direct and (b) indirect employment in the renewable energy sector will be in each of the next five years, also broken down by sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it predicts the growth in (a) direct and (b) indirect employment in the renewable energy sector will be in each of the next five years, also broken down by sector.","AnswerText":"Our Renewable Energy Action Plan, to be published in the summer, will include an analysis of economic development opportunities and future potential for growth across the renewable energy sector. Estimates set out in the UK Renewable Energy Strategy consultation suggest the potential for 160,000 renewable energy related jobs UK wide over the next decade. The Scottish Government believes that Scotland has the potential to create at least 16,000 such jobs. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226778,"EventID":"S3W-20172","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were employed in the waste management and recycling sector in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were employed in the waste management and recycling sector in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"It is difficult to provide exact figures on the numbers employed in these sectors over the last five years, particularly as the Office for National Statistics counts those employed in waste management as including those working in sewage and sanitation. However, the figures sourced from the Office for National Statistics under the Annual Business Inquiry are as follows (rounded to nearest hundred): | | Recycling | Sewage, Refuse Disposal and Sanitation | | 2003 | 1,000 | 13,300 | | 2004 | 1,100 | 12,300 | | 2005 | 1,400 | 13,100 | | 2006 | 1,600 | 14,100 | | 2007 | 1,300 | 13,700 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226779,"EventID":"S3W-20173","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it predicts the growth in employment in the waste management and recycling sector will be in each of the next five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it predicts the growth in employment in the waste management and recycling sector will be in each of the next five years.","AnswerText":"It is difficult to predict what the growth in employment will be in the waste management and recycling sectors over the next five years, particularly given the current economic climate. However, the on-going review of the National Waste Plan will attempt to address this by identifying where employment opportunities could arise. Consultation on a draft of the National Waste Plan will begin around June 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226780,"EventID":"S3W-20174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a formal definition of green jobs and, if so, what it is.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a formal definition of green jobs and, if so, what it is.","AnswerText":"The 10 pledges for a Greener Deal for Scotland, announced on 2 February, make reference to the employment potential for greener jobs within the following sectors: renewable energy, clean fossil fuel technologies, energy efficiency, low carbon transport and renewable heat. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226781,"EventID":"S3W-20175","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were employed in green jobs excluding renewable energy and waste management but including biofuels, construction and sustainable design, organic farming, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were employed in green jobs excluding renewable energy and waste management but including biofuels, construction and sustainable design, organic farming, eco-tourism and outdoor recreation, cleaner technologies and carbon sequestration, and consultancy and energy audits in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226782,"EventID":"S3W-20176","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it predicts that the growth in green jobs will be in each of the next five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it predicts that the growth in green jobs will be in each of the next five years.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20171 on 5 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226783,"EventID":"S3W-20177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive by how much the renewable energy sector has grown in each of the last five years, also broken down by sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive by how much the renewable energy sector has grown in each of the last five years, also broken down by sector.","AnswerText":"As a key indicator for the growth of the renewables sector, the following table shows figures for electricity generation from renewable sources in Scotland for each of the last five years, broken down fuel source. This information is taken from the September 2008 edition of Energy Trends, published by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (now Department of Energy and Climate Change) and available online at: www.berr.gov.uk/whatwedo/energy/statistics/publications/trends/index.html. Electricity Generated from Renewable Sources in Scotland, in Gigawatt Hours (GWh) | Year | Hydro | Wind and Wave | Landfill Gas | Other Biofuels1 | Total Renewables2 | | 2003 | 2,902.0 | 448.9 | 228.0 | 145.5 | 3,724.5 | | 2004 | 4,474.8 | 848.4 | 339.2 | 169.8 | 5,832.2 | | 2005 | 4,612.2 | 1,280.9 | 395.4 | 197.2 | 6,485.6 | | 2006 | 4,224.9 | 2,022.9 | 424.0 | 291.2 | 6,963.0 | | 2007 | 4,697.3 | 2,644.0 | 486.5 | 398.4 | 8,226.2 | Notes: 1. Other biofuels includes biofuels co-fired with fossil fuels. 2. Components may not add exactly to totals because of rounding. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226784,"EventID":"S3W-20178","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it predicts the growth of the renewable energy sector will be in each of the next five years, also broken down by sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it predicts the growth of the renewable energy sector will be in each of the next five years, also broken down by sector.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has set a target to generate 50% of Scotland''s electricity demand from renewable sources by 2020, with an interim milestone of 31% by 2011. The renewables capacity installed, consented and under construction now exceeds the capacity we estimate will be necessary to meet the 2011 milestone. The targets are not broken down by sector. Our Renewable Energy Action Plan will be published in the summer and will set out our strategic vision for the development to 2020 of key areas of the renewables sector. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226785,"EventID":"S3W-20179","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the green jobs strategy introduced by the previous administration and what targets the Scottish Government aspires to for growth in the green job sect","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the green jobs strategy introduced by the previous administration and what targets the Scottish Government aspires to for growth in the green job sector, including renewable energy.","AnswerText":"The Green Jobs Strategy was published in June 2005 and implemented under the previous administration. A fresh approach has been taken by this Scottish Government under the Government Economic Strategy, which sets out how we will achieve our overall purpose to create a more successful country, with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth. Delivery is underpinned by a national performance framework of strategic targets, outcomes and indicators, including the Greener Strategic Objective to improve Scotland''s natural and built environment and the sustainable use and enjoyment of it. On 2 February we announced ten energy pledges, aimed at ensuring that Scotland gains maximum economic advantage from the move towards a low-carbon economy, including jobs in renewable energy, energy efficiency and clean fossil fuel technology. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226786,"EventID":"S3W-20180","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what inquiries are being carried out into the disclosures made by the directors of the Royal Bank of Scotland in relation to the bank’s rights issue in 2008 and whether t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what inquiries are being carried out into the disclosures made by the directors of the Royal Bank of Scotland in relation to the bank’s rights issue in 2008 and whether the Lord Advocate is satisfied that the directors have complied with relevant statutory requirements since.","AnswerText":"Compliance with the relevant regulatory regime is a matter for the Financial Services Authority and not the Lord Advocate, whose role in respect of statutory requirements in respect of banks is limited to the investigation and prosecution of criminal offences. It would be for the police and regulatory agencies to determine whether there is a basis for a criminal investigation. I am not aware of any criminal investigation. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank Mulholland","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226787,"EventID":"S3W-20181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many borrowing applications it has made to the Secretary of State for Scotland or the Chancellor of the Exchequer under section 66 of the Scotland Act 1998.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many borrowing applications it has made to the Secretary of State for Scotland or the Chancellor of the Exchequer under section 66 of the Scotland Act 1998.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20185 on 5 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226788,"EventID":"S3W-20182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings or discussions Scottish ministers or officials have had with UK ministers or officials to discuss borrowing applications under section 66 of the Scotlan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings or discussions Scottish ministers or officials have had with UK ministers or officials to discuss borrowing applications under section 66 of the Scotland Act 1998.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20185 on 5 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226789,"EventID":"S3W-20183","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the possible use of the £500 million loan provision available to it via the National Loans Fund under section 67 of the Scotland Act 1998","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the possible use of the £500 million loan provision available to it via the National Loans Fund under section 67 of the Scotland Act 1998.","AnswerText":"The power for the Scottish Government to borrow is set out in section 66 of the Scotland Act 1998 which makes clear such borrowing is for use on a temporary basis to cover the Scottish Government''s cash requirements if that becomes necessary for any reason. Under section 67 of the act, the Treasury may issue to the Secretary of State out of the National Loans Fund such sums as are required by him for making loans under section 66. However, no such requirements have arisen since devolution and consequently the powers have not been used. Given the nature of the power, it would not be possible to use it to borrow in order to invest in public capital works in Scotland or support resource expenditure in excess of expenditure limits set by the Treasury. The Scottish Government continues to believe that such powers should be made available by the UK Government though this would require legislative change. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226790,"EventID":"S3W-20184","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been initiated or consulted on regarding the use of section 66 of the Scotland Act 1998.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been initiated or consulted on regarding the use of section 66 of the Scotland Act 1998.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the question S3W-20185 on 5 February 2008. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226791,"EventID":"S3W-20185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has been given to borrowing under section 66 of the Scotland Act 1998 to fund capital or revenue items under current budget proposals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has been given to borrowing under section 66 of the Scotland Act 1998 to fund capital or revenue items under current budget proposals.","AnswerText":"The power for the Scottish Government to borrow set out in section 66 of the Scotland Act 1998 makes clear such borrowing is for use on a temporary basis to cover the Scottish Government''s cash requirements if that becomes necessary for any reason. No such requirements have arisen since devolution and consequently the powers have not been used, nor have any applications been made to the Secretary of State for Scotland or the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Given the nature of the power as it stands, it would not be possible to use it to borrow in order to invest in public capital works in Scotland or support resource expenditure in excess of expenditure limits set by the Treasury. The Scottish Government continues to believe that Scotland''s government should have the ability to borrow and this would require legislative change. To date there has been no official meetings with the Secretary of State or Chancellor of the Exchequer to discuss the topic although the Scottish Government has requested meetings with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on a number of occasions to begin the process of securing further fiscal powers for Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226792,"EventID":"S3W-20186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether borrowing under section 66 of the Scotland Act 1998 has been considered for the purpose of funding part of the Forth Replacement Crossing or improvements in the t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether borrowing under section 66 of the Scotland Act 1998 has been considered for the purpose of funding part of the Forth Replacement Crossing or improvements in the trunk road network.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20185 on 5 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. \r\nstyl","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226793,"EventID":"S3W-20187","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2030,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many student loan debts in (a) numerical and (b) cash terms have been sold to other agencies in each of the last 10 years and which agencies now have ownership of the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many student loan debts in (a) numerical and (b) cash terms have been sold to other agencies in each of the last 10 years and which agencies now have ownership of these debts.","AnswerText":"Details of how many student loan debts in numerical and cash terms that have been sold to other agencies and who now has ownership of these debts are shown in the following table: | Sold to | Date of Sale | UK | | Number of customers (rounded to nearest 100) | Debt Sold £ Public info (see Student Loans SFR) | | FFHE1 | 24-03-1998 | 448,900 | 1,022,000,000 | | HTL2 | 23-03-1999 | 388,500 | 1,030,000,000 | | Sold to | Date of Sale | Scotland Domiciled | | Number of customers (rounded to nearest 100) | Debt Sold £ | | FFHE1 | 24-03-1998 | 49,700 | 110,186,868 | | HTL2 | 23-03-1999 | 42,700 | 110,000,779 | Notes: 1. FFHE stands for Finance for Higher Education Ltd which is owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland. 2. HTL stands for Honours Trustee Ltd which is owned by a consortium of Deutsche Bank, Nationwide. 3. Figures provided by the Student Loans Company. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226794,"EventID":"S3W-20188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason it has opted for compulsory bluetongue vaccination given that England has opted for a voluntary approach.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason it has opted for compulsory bluetongue vaccination given that England has opted for a voluntary approach.","AnswerText":"Veterinary advice and the analysis by Scottish Government''s Centre of Excellence in Epidemiology is that a mass vaccination campaign against bluetongue virus 8 would be in Scotland best interests. In the light of this advice and evidence of likely take up under voluntary initiatives, it was agreed with industry stakeholders that a compulsory campaign to achieve the mass coverage required would be implemented to prevent bluetongue virus serotype 8 from becoming established in Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226795,"EventID":"S3W-20189","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19169 by Stewart Stevenson on 19 January 2009, what elements are included in Transport Scotland’s budget for communications.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19169 by Stewart Stevenson on 19 January 2009, what elements are included in Transport Scotland’s budget for communications.","AnswerText":"The communications budget of £115,000 for 2007-08 covered the preparation and publishing of a range of corporate documents and publicity material, the distribution of press releases, and running the Transport Scotland website. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226796,"EventID":"S3W-20190","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to questions S3W-19163 and S3W-19170 by Stewart Stevenson on 19 January 2009 and given that Transport Scotland has 291 employees and this figure do","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to questions S3W-19163 and S3W-19170 by Stewart Stevenson on 19 January 2009 and given that Transport Scotland has 291 employees and this figure does not include consultants, for what reasons it considers it impossible to separate out the cost of consultancy work.","AnswerText":"The suppliers who provide consultancy advice to Transport Scotland are often responsible for wider service provision as part of an overall package. This could include engineering and support services. For this reason it is not always possible to separate out the cost of the consultancy element. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226797,"EventID":"S3W-20191","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19159 by John Swinney on 19 January 2009, on what terms the chief executive of Transport Scotland will retire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19159 by John Swinney on 19 January 2009, on what terms the chief executive of Transport Scotland will retire.","AnswerText":"The Chief Executive of Transport Scotland is leaving the Scottish Government on normal retirement terms in line with the Civil Service Pension arrangements. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226798,"EventID":"S3W-20192","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19396 by John Swinney on 19 January 2009, how many members of the senior civil service were considered for the post of chief execut","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19396 by John Swinney on 19 January 2009, how many members of the senior civil service were considered for the post of chief executive of Transport Scotland; what criteria were used in making the appointment, and what the terms are of Mr Middleton’s appointment.","AnswerText":"David Middleton was selected for appointment as the new Chief Executive of Transport Scotland, taking into account the skills and experience required for the post, from the group of around 40 Director level staff within the Scottish Government. He will take up the post as a normal Senior Civil Service assignment. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226799,"EventID":"S3W-20193","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19167 by Stewart Stevenson on 19 January 2009, what the purpose was of each visit to Barcelona by Guy Houston of Transport Scotland","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19167 by Stewart Stevenson on 19 January 2009, what the purpose was of each visit to Barcelona by Guy Houston of Transport Scotland and when each meeting took place.","AnswerText":"Mr Houston visited Barcelona between 1 and 5 July 2008 to attend the Transfin 2008 Conference. The conference, attended by delegates from across the world, discussed the financing of transport and infrastructure projects. ","AnswerDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226800,"EventID":"S3W-20194","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19757 by Fiona Hyslop on 23 January 2009, which minister attended each meeting and what topics were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19757 by Fiona Hyslop on 23 January 2009, which minister attended each meeting and what topics were discussed.","AnswerText":"The following table provides information on which Scottish minister attended which meeting with the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (RSAMD) and what topics were discussed. | Date | Scottish Minister | Topics Discussed | | 25 September 2007 | Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning | Official opening of RSAMD''s new Digital Training Unit | | 5 October 2007 | Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture | Glasgow''s UNESCO City of Music bid | | 17 January 2008 | Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning | The future strategic direction for RSAMD and funding levels for drama | | 5 February 2008 | First Minister | The range of RSAMD''s activities and opportunities for student participation in events | | 28 April 2008 | Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning | Concerns of RSAMD Students'' Association about funding levels at RSAMD | | 22 May 2008 | Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning | RSAMD''s financial position and funding levels for drama | The other meetings listed in the previous reply involved officials only. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226801,"EventID":"S3W-20195","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1735,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long it will take to implement fully the recommendations of the Expert Advisory Group on Infertility Services in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long it will take to implement fully the recommendations of the Expert Advisory Group on Infertility Services in Scotland.","AnswerText":"We are aware that not all NHS boards have implemented the recommendations of the Expert Advisory Group on Infertility Services in Scotland, and we wrote to boards in December 2008 asking for an update on implementation of these recommendations. We are in the process of receiving responses from boards. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226802,"EventID":"S3W-20196","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1735,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are variations in the number of cycles of IVF and ICSI treatment provided by each NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are variations in the number of cycles of IVF and ICSI treatment provided by each NHS board.","AnswerText":"There are variations in the number of cycles of IVF and ICSI treatment provided by NHS boards in Scotland. We provided NHS boards with an update on eligibility criteria in 2007, and recently wrote to all boards asking them for an update on implementation of the updated access criteria in their area. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226803,"EventID":"S3W-20197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the short-life working group of the feasibility on the national collection of tissue as outlined in Better Cancer Care, An Action Plan will report to the Scottish Go","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the short-life working group of the feasibility on the national collection of tissue as outlined in Better Cancer Care, An Action Plan will report to the Scottish Government and what action may follow this report.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Cancer Taskforce has the responsibility to oversee the actions set out in Better Cancer Care, An Action Plan. The first meeting of the Scottish Cancer Taskforce was held on 29 January 2009 and a short-life working group will be set up to assess the feasibility of the national collection of tissue and will report to the Scottish Government via the Scottish Cancer Taskforce. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226804,"EventID":"S3W-20198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS boards have not provided a bowel screening programme and whether the national programme will be rolled out across Scotland by the end of 2009.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS boards have not provided a bowel screening programme and whether the national programme will be rolled out across Scotland by the end of 2009.","AnswerText":"The Bowel Screening Programme is being phased in across the health boards. Nine health boards are already providing this service. All health boards will be delivering the programme by the end of 2009. The current expected dates that screening will start in each NHS board can be found at http://www.bowelscreening.scot.nhs.uk/?p=1. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226805,"EventID":"S3W-20199","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the percentage of patient uptake is of the national bowel screening programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the percentage of patient uptake is of the national bowel screening programme.","AnswerText":"Data on uptake is currently not available, as the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme is not yet rolled out across all NHS health boards. Data on the Scottish Bowel Screening Pilot was published in August 2008 via the Information Services Division (ISD) website on www.isdscotland.org/isd/5728.html. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226806,"EventID":"S3W-20200","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when its working group on clothing grants will report. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when its working group on clothing grants will report. ","AnswerText":"A draft of the final report is currently being considered by the Short Life Working Group and thereafter it will be submitted to ministers. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Adam Ingram","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226807,"EventID":"S3W-20202","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to dualling the single carriageway sections of the A1 trunk road between Dunbar and the border with England.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to dualling the single carriageway sections of the A1 trunk road between Dunbar and the border with England.","AnswerText":"The needs of this transport corridor were considered as part of the Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR) which recommended that our aim should be to optimise the operation of the route through active traffic management and targeted individual investments. This may include plans to ensure the road is safe and suitably maintained for the expected levels of traffic and may, for instance, include realigning sections of road, individual junction improvements and creating additional overtaking opportunities where appropriate. Prior to the STPR we had delivered on our route strategy to provide a dual two lane near motorway standard of road between Edinburgh and Dunbar, and further south where traffic volumes are significantly lower, to create unambiguous guaranteed overtaking opportunities along the route. The completion of this major £120 million package of improvements has resulted in two-thirds of the A1 having been upgraded by the provision of dualling and climbing lanes. We have no current plans for dualling the A1 from Dunbar to the Border. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226808,"EventID":"S3W-20203","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the potential benefits are of dualling the single carriageway sections of the A1 trunk road between Dunbar and the border with England.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the potential benefits are of dualling the single carriageway sections of the A1 trunk road between Dunbar and the border with England.","AnswerText":"The corridor between Edinburgh and the Border currently enjoys relatively low traffic volumes and operates efficiently. Therefore there are few issues on this corridor and as such the potential benefits of dualling would be limited. The needs of this transport corridor were considered as part of the Strategic Transport Projects Review which recommended that our aim should be to optimise the operation of the route through active traffic management and targeted individual investments. This includes plans to ensure the road is safe and suitably maintained for the expected levels of traffic and may, for instance, include realigning sections of road, individual junction improvements and creating additional overtaking opportunities where appropriate. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226809,"EventID":"S3W-20204","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average accident rate is, expressed in accidents per 100 million vehicle kilometres, for (a) the A1 trunk road, (b) dualled sections of the A1 trunk road and (c)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average accident rate is, expressed in accidents per 100 million vehicle kilometres, for (a) the A1 trunk road, (b) dualled sections of the A1 trunk road and (c) single carriageway sections of the A1 trunk road in East Lothian.","AnswerText":"The accident rates for A1 trunk road in East Lothian are: (a) 8.4 injury accidents per 100 million vehicle kilometres for all dual and single carriageway sections. (b) 6.9 injury accidents per 100 million vehicle kilometres for dual carriageway sections. (c) 30.8 injury accidents per 100 million vehicle kilometres for single carriageway sections. The figures quoted may differ slightly from those published previously or elsewhere because they were extracted on a different date and the database may have changed between the two dates, e.g. due to late returns, corrections to earlier returns or changes to traffic volume data. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226810,"EventID":"S3W-20205","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average accident rate is, expressed in accidents per 100 million vehicle kilometres, for (a) the A1 trunk road, (b) dualled sections of the A1 trunk road and (c)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average accident rate is, expressed in accidents per 100 million vehicle kilometres, for (a) the A1 trunk road, (b) dualled sections of the A1 trunk road and (c) single carriageway sections of the A1 trunk road between Dunbar and the border with England. ","AnswerText":"The accident rates for the A1 trunk road between Dunbar (A1087 Junction) and the border with England are: (a) 13.7 injury accidents per 100 million vehicle kilometres for all dual and single carriageway sections. (b) 10.6 injury accidents per 100 million vehicle kilometres for dual carriageway sections. (c) 15.1 injury accidents per 100 million vehicle kilometres for single carriageway sections. The figures quoted may differ slightly from those published previously or elsewhere because they were extracted on a different date and the database may have changed between the two dates, e.g. due to late returns, corrections to earlier returns or changes to traffic volume data. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226811,"EventID":"S3W-20206","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost would be of transferring 100 prisoners from HMP Kilmarnock to other parts of the prison estate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost would be of transferring 100 prisoners from HMP Kilmarnock to other parts of the prison estate.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19827 on 28 January 2009, which sets out how the costs of prisoner escorts are calculated. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226812,"EventID":"S3W-20207","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost would be of transferring a convicted offender who would otherwise have been remanded in custody or served a sentence at HMP Kilmarnock to another part of th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost would be of transferring a convicted offender who would otherwise have been remanded in custody or served a sentence at HMP Kilmarnock to another part of the prison estate in an attempt to reduce the population at HMP Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19827 on 28 January 2009, which sets out how the costs of prisoner escorts are calculated. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226813,"EventID":"S3W-20208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are plans to reduce the number of prisoners in HMP Kilmarnock.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are plans to reduce the number of prisoners in HMP Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows: HMP Kilmarnock is contracted to provide the SPS with 500 prisoner places and has been over capacity due to record high prisoner numbers. Following the slight drop in prisoner numbers in recent months and the opening of HMP Addiewell the SPS, for operational reasons, have reduced the prisoner numbers held in HMP Kilmarnock and thus lowered the level of overcrowding there. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226814,"EventID":"S3W-20209","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many convictions there have been under the Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act 2005 in each of the last two years, broken down by category of (a) offence and (b) emergen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many convictions there have been under the Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act 2005 in each of the last two years, broken down by category of (a) offence and (b) emergency worker.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table. Scottish Government Court Proceedings data does not contain information about the type of emergency worker. Persons with a Charge Proved in Scottish Courts Under the Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act 20051, by Category of Offence, 2005-06 to 2006-07 | Charge | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | | Emergency workers (Scotland) Act 2005 Section 1(1) | 11 | 45 | | Emergency workers (Scotland) Act 2005 Section 2(1) | 14 | 73 | | Emergency workers (Scotland) Act 2005 Section 3(1) | 0 | 3 | | Emergency workers (Scotland) Act 2005 Section 5(1) | 29 | 79 | | Total | 54 | 200 | Note: 1. Where main offence. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226815,"EventID":"S3W-20210","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether consistent standards are applied in specifying criteria under which gritting and procedures for gritting should take place across the range of organisations carry","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether consistent standards are applied in specifying criteria under which gritting and procedures for gritting should take place across the range of organisations carrying out winter maintenance work on trunk and non-trunk roads.","AnswerText":"The Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 states that a roads authority shall take such steps as it considers reasonable to prevent snow and ice endangering the safe passage of pedestrians and vehicles over public roads. Each roads authority is responsible for identifying its own level of winter service and these vary between authorities. Most roads authorities publish winter maintenance plans which set out service levels. Transport Scotland, on behalf of Scottish ministers, is responsible for the winter service on trunk roads and motorways. The Operating Companies undertake the winter service according to procedures and specifications laid down in the trunk road maintenance term contracts and detailed in their winter service plans. This is monitored by the independent Performance Audit Group. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226816,"EventID":"S3W-20211","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring it has carried out to ensure a consistent approach to the gritting of trunk and non-trunk roads.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring it has carried out to ensure a consistent approach to the gritting of trunk and non-trunk roads.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20210 on 9 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226817,"EventID":"S3W-20212","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S3W-19151 and S3W-19152 by Michael Russell on 15 January 2009, what the terms of reference are for the legislation, regulation and gu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S3W-19151 and S3W-19152 by Michael Russell on 15 January 2009, what the terms of reference are for the legislation, regulation and guidance sub-group of the Partnership Against Wildlife Crime Scotland and when it is expected to produce recommendations about legislation relating to snaring.","AnswerText":"The Legislation, Regulation and Guidance Sub-group of PAW Scotland has as its remit to review the operation in practice of wildlife legislation and regulations; identify areas for improvement and make recommendations. To produce guidance for wildlife crime law enforcement practitioners, land managers and other countryside users. The group plans to produce recommendations to ministers in time to allow decisions to be taken before the summer recess. \r\nhref=\"","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226818,"EventID":"S3W-20213","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18862 by Stewart Stevenson on 11 December 2008, what consideration is being given to the introduction of free travel on trains for ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18862 by Stewart Stevenson on 11 December 2008, what consideration is being given to the introduction of free travel on trains for concessionary travel pass holders.","AnswerText":"The review of the Scotland-wide Free Bus Travel Scheme for Older and Disabled People is nearing completion. A report of the review is being finalised and I expect to receive it shortly. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226819,"EventID":"S3W-20214","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many individuals have been extradited from Scotland to the United States of America under the terms of the Extradition Act 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many individuals have been extradited from Scotland to the United States of America under the terms of the Extradition Act 2003.","AnswerText":"Two people have been extradited from Scotland to the United States of America under the terms of the Extradition Act 2003. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226820,"EventID":"S3W-20215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many individuals who were extradited from Scotland to the United States of America under the terms of the Extradition Act 2003 have been exonerated of the charges for","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many individuals who were extradited from Scotland to the United States of America under the terms of the Extradition Act 2003 have been exonerated of the charges for which they were extradited.","AnswerText":"We do not hold information on how many individuals extradited from Scotland to the United States of America under the terms of the Extradition Act 2003 have been exonerated. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226821,"EventID":"S3W-20216","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times the extradition of American citizens to Scotland has been sought under the terms of the extradition treaty between the United Kingdom and the United States","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times the extradition of American citizens to Scotland has been sought under the terms of the extradition treaty between the United Kingdom and the United States of America and for what crimes extradition was sought in each case.","AnswerText":"Only one outgoing request has been made to the United States from Scotland in terms of the Extradition Act 2003. That case involved a contravention of the Road Traffic Act 1988. The request was successful. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226822,"EventID":"S3W-20217","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times requests for the extradition of American citizens to Scotland have been refused and for what crimes extradition was sought in each case.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times requests for the extradition of American citizens to Scotland have been refused and for what crimes extradition was sought in each case.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20216 on 6 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226823,"EventID":"S3W-20218","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence Scottish law officers must present to US authorities before a warrant for extradition to Scotland from the United States of America can be requested or issu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence Scottish law officers must present to US authorities before a warrant for extradition to Scotland from the United States of America can be requested or issued.","AnswerText":"Extradition from the United States of America is governed by an Extradition Treaty between the United Kingdom and the United States of America. It provides that requests for extradition require to be supported by: an accurate description of the person sought; a statement of the facts of the offence; the relevant law applicable to the offence, and the relevant law relating to punishment for the offence. If the extradition is requested for someone who is sought for prosecution then additionally, the following requires to be provided: a copy of the warrant; a copy of the Indictment, and information which provides the basis to believe that the person sought committed the offence. If the extradition relates to someone who has already been convicted of the offence then: information that the person sought is the person to whom the conviction applies; a copy of the conviction; a copy of the sentence imposed (and if the person has been sentenced, the extent to which the sentence has been carried out), and in the case of a person convicted in absentia, information regarding the circumstances under which the person was absent from the proceedings should also be provided. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226824,"EventID":"S3W-20219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the respondents who were reported, in the analysis and summary of responses prepared by its Social Housing Division, as having given neutral/not stat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the respondents who were reported, in the analysis and summary of responses prepared by its Social Housing Division, as having given neutral/not stated responses to proposals in its 2008 Housing Association Grant consultation paper on (a) the annual rate of increase in rents, (b) freezing management, maintenance and major repairs allowances and (c) inflation assumptions.","AnswerText":"Copies of all the non-confidential responses received to the 2008 Housing Association Grant consultation and the subsequent report by Social Housing Division are posted on the Scottish Government website: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Housing/investment/bettervalue/Q/editmode/on/forceupdate/on. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226825,"EventID":"S3W-20220","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the 22% efficiency savings required by the Office of Rail Regulation and the announcement by Network Rail to defer 28% of planned track renewals across the United","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the 22% efficiency savings required by the Office of Rail Regulation and the announcement by Network Rail to defer 28% of planned track renewals across the United Kingdom will have an impact on track renewals, inspection and maintenance programmes in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Network Rail''s acceptance of the Office of Rail Regulation''s Final Determination for the delivery of Scottish Ministers'' High Level Output Specification for Control Period 4 (CP4 April 2009 “ March 2014) was announced on Thursday 5 February 2009. Transport Scotland will look to the ORR to ensure that Network Rail meets all the outputs for which it will be funded in CP4, including assurance that any re-profiling of works will leave a deliverable programme. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226826,"EventID":"S3W-20221","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the redundancies announced by rail company DB Schenker, previously the English Welsh and Scottish Railway Ltd, will have an impact on employment in the rail indus","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the redundancies announced by rail company DB Schenker, previously the English Welsh and Scottish Railway Ltd, will have an impact on employment in the rail industry and freight services in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold information on this matter. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226827,"EventID":"S3W-20222","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of recent announcements by rail companies, Network Rail and the Office of Rail Regulation, what steps it is taking to protect train lines and services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of recent announcements by rail companies, Network Rail and the Office of Rail Regulation, what steps it is taking to protect train lines and services.","AnswerText":"First ScotRail operates the services specified in its Franchise Agreement with Scottish ministers. First ScotRail is contracted under the terms of this agreement to continue to provide these services. Network Rail is required under the terms of its license to provide at least the current level of service on the network and to improve that over the coming five year period as specified by Scottish ministers in their High Level Output Specification, and monitored and enforced by the Office of Rail Regulation. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226828,"EventID":"S3W-20223","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it will make available to Scottish aid organisations that are not members of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) and wish to assist in the humanitaria","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it will make available to Scottish aid organisations that are not members of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) and wish to assist in the humanitarian effort in Gaza.","AnswerText":"We have invited funding bids from Scottish-based organisations to support their humanitarian work in Gaza. Any Scottish-based organisations can apply. Applications will be assessed and final decisions will be subject to assurances that aid will reach those in greatest need. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Linda Fabiani","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226829,"EventID":"S3W-20224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms are in place to enable NHS Scotland to accept medical evacuations from Gaza.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms are in place to enable NHS Scotland to accept medical evacuations from Gaza.","AnswerText":"The skills of our medical specialists are world-renowned and we are prepared to offer their expertise if needed. Some of Scotland''s hospitals may be able to receive patients from Gaza who require specialist care and I welcome the willingness of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Lothian to respond positively to requests for assistance with medical casualties, if need be. However, the number of casualties and which facilities could be used would be dependent on the clinical priorities of the patients concerned. Our general approach is to work through Scottish-based Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) which are involved in humanitarian work in Gaza, and have a presence on the ground there. This is necessary to allow clinical assessments and evaluation to be carried out in determining whether patients are suitable for treatment in Scotland, and would benefit from coming here, as opposed to being treated in the region or in a neighbouring country. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226830,"EventID":"S3W-20225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the effect will be of the withdrawal of direct payments in the Orkney Islands council area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the effect will be of the withdrawal of direct payments in the Orkney Islands council area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20102 on 4 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226831,"EventID":"S3W-20226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to ensure that no data remains on IT equipment that has been used in the NHS and that such equipment is resold or deployed across other public ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to ensure that no data remains on IT equipment that has been used in the NHS and that such equipment is resold or deployed across other public sector bodies.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is responsible for providing an Information Security Policy Statement and Information Security Policy Principles covering authority, accountability, assurance and awareness. Chief executives in NHS boards are responsible for implementing the policy and for ensuring that all staff comply with the policy. The key principles of the Information Security policy are as follows: Information will be protected against unauthorised access. Confidentiality of information required through regulatory and legislative requirements will be assured. Integrity of information will be maintained. Information will be available to authorised personnel as and when required. Business continuity plans will be produced, maintained and tested Information security training will be available to all staff. Disposal policies, including ensuring that no data remains on IT equipment, are an operational responsibility for each NHS board. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226832,"EventID":"S3W-20227","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what parliamentary scrutiny was undertaken prior to implementation of the new grading system for nursery schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what parliamentary scrutiny was undertaken prior to implementation of the new grading system for nursery schools.","AnswerText":"The grading system is an operational matter for the Care Commission. It does not of course replace any of the statutory requirements or the provisions of the National Care Standards. It enables the Care Commission to exercise its responsibilities in a proportionate way. The grading system was introduced in April 2008, and applies to all the care services that the commission regulates, including day care of children. It was piloted with 170 care services across the spectrum of regulated services in 2007. The grading system is part of the commission''s three-year Regulation for Improvement Project. Following widespread public consultation, the Project was a substantial component of the Care Commission''s 2006-09 Corporate Plan, which received ministerial approval in March 2006. Its aim was to achieve targeted and proportionate regulation of care in Scotland. Ministers have received regular progress reports on the Project at their routine six-monthly meetings with the Care Commission''s Convener and Chief Executive. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226833,"EventID":"S3W-20228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people receive direct payments for their care in each local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people receive direct payments for their care in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20064 on 2 February 2009 All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226834,"EventID":"S3W-20229","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation took place with parents prior to defining the categories of care by nursery providers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation took place with parents prior to defining the categories of care by nursery providers.","AnswerText":"The Care Commission''s grading system was introduced in April 2008 following extensive consultation with people who use care services and with care providers. It was piloted in 170 services during 2007. The grading system does not replace any of the statutory requirements or the provisions of the National Care Standards. It enables the Care Commission to exercise its responsibilities in a proportionate way. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226835,"EventID":"S3W-20230","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, following the new rating categories due to be implemented in April 2009, what level of care, development and education will be provided to children aged three and four.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, following the new rating categories due to be implemented in April 2009, what level of care, development and education will be provided to children aged three and four.","AnswerText":"The Care Commission''s new grading system was introduced in April 2008 and applies to all the care services that the commission regulates, including day care of children. The grading system is based on quality themes and statements, and links in with the quality indicators set out in the Child at the Centre. There are no plans to introduce new rating categories in April 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Adam Ingram","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226836,"EventID":"S3W-20231","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3763,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-16179 by Stewart Stevenson on 24 September 2008, what the outcome was of the assessment into the effectiveness of the speed camera ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-16179 by Stewart Stevenson on 24 September 2008, what the outcome was of the assessment into the effectiveness of the speed camera system on the A77.","AnswerText":"The accident data for the three year period before and the following three years after the installation of the A77 average speed camera system was published on the A77 safety group website on 30 October 2008. These figures are being assessed and a report is due by 31 March 2009. A summary of the findings will be published shortly thereafter on the Safety Group website. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226837,"EventID":"S3W-20232","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":66,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been fined for littering offences in each of the last five years for which information is available, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been fined for littering offences in each of the last five years for which information is available, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table. The number of fixed penalty notices for littering, issued by police and local authorities under their respective powers in Part IV of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, is not held centrally. Persons Fined for Litter Offences1 in Scottish Courts by Approximate Local Authority Area2, 2002-03 to 2006-07 | Local Authority Area | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | | Aberdeen City | - | - | 1 | - | - | | Aberdeenshire | 1 | 1 | - | - | - | | Angus | - | - | - | - | - | | Argyll and Bute | - | - | 1 | - | - | | Clackmannanshire | - | - | 1 | - | - | | Dumfries and Galloway | 1 | - | - | 1 | - | | Dundee City | 3 | 5 | 2 | - | - | | East Ayrshire | - | 1 | 1 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226838,"EventID":"S3W-20233","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18831 by Stewart Stevenson on 8 January 2009, whether it will be re-advertising for new members of the Mobility and Access Committe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18831 by Stewart Stevenson on 8 January 2009, whether it will be re-advertising for new members of the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland in order to make the further appointments expected.","AnswerText":"The Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland will be advertising for new members in order to make further appointments. MACS recently commenced discussions with the Scottish Government''s Public Appointments Unit and the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland in order to establish the best course of action to attract potential members. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226839,"EventID":"S3W-20234","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18835 by Stewart Stevenson on 8 January 2009, how much funding the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS) will receive f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18835 by Stewart Stevenson on 8 January 2009, how much funding the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS) will receive from the 2008-09 budget and how this compares with the funding that MACS has received in the past.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-18835 on 8 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226840,"EventID":"S3W-20235","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what costs were associated with the production of the A77 Maybole Transport Study - Design Manual for Roads and Bridges - Stage 2 Report.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what costs were associated with the production of the A77 Maybole Transport Study - Design Manual for Roads and Bridges - Stage 2 Report.","AnswerText":"The costs associated with the production of the A77 Maybole Transport Study “ DMRB Stage 2 Report were £605,092.21. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226841,"EventID":"S3W-20236","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-16656 by Stewart Stevenson on 27 October 2008, whether further engineering works are planned to improve the safety of the A77 in so","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-16656 by Stewart Stevenson on 27 October 2008, whether further engineering works are planned to improve the safety of the A77 in south Ayrshire.","AnswerText":"Yes, the following engineering schemes are within the current Transport Scotland programme: | Ardwell to Slockenray | Overtaking opportunity (WS2+1) | | Drummuckloch to Innermessan | Overtaking opportunity (WS2+1) | | Parkend to Bennane | Overtaking opportunity (WS2+1) | | Burnside Improvements | Carriageway re-alignment | | Symington and Bogend Toll | Central Reservation Gaps and Grade Separation | The recently published Strategic Transport Projects Review recognised the importance of A77 and has recommended upgrading the A77 from single to dual carriageway around Ayr, grade separation of key junctions and enhancements south of Ayr. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226842,"EventID":"S3W-20237","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are plans for engineering works on the A77 south of Ayr.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are plans for engineering works on the A77 south of Ayr.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20236 on 9 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226843,"EventID":"S3W-20238","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will extend the use of average speed cameras on the A77 to include the sections south of Girvan not currently covered.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will extend the use of average speed cameras on the A77 to include the sections south of Girvan not currently covered.","AnswerText":"There are currently no plans to extend average speed cameras on the A77. The potential to introduce more average speed cameras on the Scottish trunk road network to reduce casualties will be informed by an assessment of the accident data for the A77 average speed camera system. The three year after accident data was published on the A77 Safety Group website on 30 October 2008. These figures are now being fully assessed and are due to be reported on by 31 March 2009. The findings will be published on the website, www.a77safetygroup.com, shortly thereafter. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226844,"EventID":"S3W-20239","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on the commitment to deliver an additional 10,000 respite weeks for carers by 2010-11.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on the commitment to deliver an additional 10,000 respite weeks for carers by 2010-11.","AnswerText":"We have agreed with COSLA that local authorities will provide an additional 2,000 respite weeks in 2008-09, an additional 6,000 weeks in 2009-10 and an additional 10,000 weeks in 2010-11. These additional weeks will be measured using the baseline of Audit Scotland''s Statutory Performance Indicators figures on respite in 2007-08. The Scottish Government provided £4million to local authorities, in addition to the resources set out in the local government settlement, to enable them to deliver this commitment. We have agreed with COSLA that they will monitor the delivery of the additional respite weeks and will report to the Scottish Government with total Scotland-wide figures. The Audit Scotland Performance Indicator figures showing the baseline for each local authority for 2007-08 were published in December 2008. COSLA officials are liaising with local authorities regarding the arrangements for collecting information to monitor the delivery of the commitment. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226845,"EventID":"S3W-20240","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-16718 by Shona Robison on 28 October 2008, whether it will take steps to ensure that information on the number of young carers wait","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-16718 by Shona Robison on 28 October 2008, whether it will take steps to ensure that information on the number of young carers waiting for support services in each local authority area is available centrally.","AnswerText":"As part of our new relationship with local government, we are placing greater emphasis on ensuring positive outcomes for stakeholders, and less emphasis on inputs and processes. To support this, we are working with local partnerships to develop and implement performance management arrangements that focus on outcomes for service users and carers, including young carers, and which enable local partnerships to measure and manage their performance effectively. We continue to work closely with Carers Organisations in developing the outcomes approach. The focus of the young carers section of the revised Carers Strategy will be on ensuring positive outcomes for young carers, through better identification and improved support in both young carer specific services and mainstream children''s services. We have provided funding to the Princess Royal Trust for Carers to conduct a mapping exercise into young carers services across Scotland. This work will highlight good practice in supporting young carers, as well as identifying gaps in provision. The results of this study will inform the development of the young carers section of the Carers Strategy. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226846,"EventID":"S3W-20241","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-13230 by Rhona Brankin on 3 June 2008, what action it has taken to ensure that school pupils receive two hours of physical educatio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-13230 by Rhona Brankin on 3 June 2008, what action it has taken to ensure that school pupils receive two hours of physical education each week.","AnswerText":"Within Curriculum for Excellence, provision of two hours quality physical education for each child every week is a key element of the health and wellbeing experiences and outcomes which are being finalised for publication later in the year. The experiences and outcomes are being revised to reflect feedback obtained via online questionnaires, school trialling, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) events and focus groups. The Health and Wellbeing area within Curriculum for Excellence explicitly reflects our commitment to two hours quality PE for each child every week. Schools will begin to introduce the new curriculum from August this year with full implementation by August 2010. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226847,"EventID":"S3W-20242","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Life Begins health checks for people over 40 have been performed in 2008-09, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Life Begins health checks for people over 40 have been performed in 2008-09, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"We are currently developing our proposals for Life Begins health checks, which are likely to involve telephone and web-based self assessment and follow up support for those people who identify themselves as being at higher risk. We will make a detailed announcement in due course. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226848,"EventID":"S3W-20243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many physiotherapists are employed in the NHS and how many were employed in May 2000 and May 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many physiotherapists are employed in the NHS and how many were employed in May 2000 and May 2007.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not centrally available. Information on staff in post is collected as at 30 September each year. The following table shows the head count and whole-time equivalent (WTE) of physiotherapists employed in NHSScotland as at 30 September for the years 2000, 2007 and 2008. WTE adjusts head count to take account of part-time working. Head Count and Whole-Time Equivalent of physiotherapists* employed by NHSScotland as at 30 September 2000, 2007, and 2008 | > | 2000 | 2007 | 2008 | | Head count | 2,488 | 3,188 | 3,306 | | WTE | 1,974.0 | 2,527.4 | 2,631.7 | Source: ISD Scotland “IR2009-000226. Note: *In January 2008 the workforce information published by ISD was changed to reflect the introduction of Agenda for Change. As such the figure provided for the year 2000 is for all physiotherapists and physiotherapists assistants under the old Whitley Council system. The figures for years 2007 and 2008 are for the Agenda for Change Physiotherapy job sub family. The two sets of figures are broadly comparable however please note that the Agenda for Change category includes Technical instructor staff that in previous years were shown separately. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226849,"EventID":"S3W-20244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any funding was ring-fenced for the development of mental health and wellbeing services in 2008-09, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any funding was ring-fenced for the development of mental health and wellbeing services in 2008-09, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"Spend on mental health services will continue to be drawn from the record funds allocated to NHS boards and local government overall. It is the responsibility of these agencies to work in partnership and to allocate funds from the total resources available to them on the basis of local needs, priorities and agreed targets including the Scottish Government''s key strategic objectives and commitments, which includes priority attention to mental health. In addition, £5 million also allocated in 2008-09 to NHS boards for partnership spend to support implementation of the Mental Health Act, and delivery of the HEAT targets for mental health in Scotland. Similar allocations will be made next year and in 2010-11. | NHS Board/Partners 2008-09 | £000 | | Ayrshire and Arran | 378 | | Borders | 196 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 229 | | Fife | 344 | | Forth Valley | 296 | | Grampian | 421 | | Greater Glasgow and Clyde | 948 | | Highland | 342 | | Lanarkshire | 477 | | Lothian | 568 | | Orkney | 134 | | Shetland | 135 | | Tayside | 386 | | Western Isles | 146 | | Total | =SUM(ABOVE) 5,000 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226850,"EventID":"S3W-20245","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which community-based alcohol rehabilitation services and programmes receive support.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which community-based alcohol rehabilitation services and programmes receive support.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. The Scottish Government provides funding to NHS boards for treatment and support to address alcohol misuse and it is for each board, working with its partners, to determine which services and programmes should receive support according to identified need. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226851,"EventID":"S3W-20246","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which community-based programmes to combat underage drinking it supports.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which community-based programmes to combat underage drinking it supports.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government provides funding to NHS boards to tackle alcohol misuse and it is for each board, working with its partners, to determine which services and programmes should receive funding according to identified need. Funding for diversionary activities is also made available through the Cashback for Communities scheme and to Lloyds TSB Partnership Drugs Initiative. The Scottish Government is generally supportive of community partnership activity to tackle alcohol misuse and considers that this can play a valuable role in reducing alcohol-related harm and under-age drinking, as well as tackling anti-social behaviour. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226852,"EventID":"S3W-20247","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much alcohol-related illness cost the NHS in 2008.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much alcohol-related illness cost the NHS in 2008.","AnswerText":"Estimates prepared by Scottish Government Analytical Services put the total cost of alcohol misuse to the NHS at £405 million in 2006-07. (These are the most recent annual figures available). Details of the estimates and a breakdown of the costs are available at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/222103/0059736.pdf. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226853,"EventID":"S3W-20248","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the Community Alcohol Partnership project in north Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the Community Alcohol Partnership project in north Glasgow.","AnswerText":"It is not clear which specific partnership this question refers to. However, the Scottish Government is generally supportive of community partnership activity to tackle alcohol misuse and considers that this can play a valuable role in reducing alcohol-related harm and under-age drinking and in tackling anti-social behaviour. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226854,"EventID":"S3W-20249","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support the introduction of community alcohol partnerships of the kind established in areas like St Neots, Cambridgeshire. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support the introduction of community alcohol partnerships of the kind established in areas like St Neots, Cambridgeshire. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19077 on 15 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226855,"EventID":"S3W-20250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Housing Association Grant funding was allocated per registered social landlord in North Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire council areas in 2007-08 and 2008-09. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Housing Association Grant funding was allocated per registered social landlord in North Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire council areas in 2007-08 and 2008-09. ","AnswerText":"The amount of Housing Association Grant funding that was allocated per registered social landlord in North Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire council areas in 2007-08 and 2008-09 is shown on the following tables. South Lanarkshire | RSL | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | | Abbeyfield Rutherglen | | 0.095 | | Arklet | 0.809 | 0.031 | | Bield | 0.031 | 0.848 | | Cairn | 0.027 | 0.020 | | Clyde Valley | 4.960 | 1.730 | | Clydesdale | 1.070 | 0.320 | | Cube | 0.004 | 0.003 | | East Kilbride | 1.230 | 0.621 | | Hanover | 0.601 | 1.858 | | Horizon | 0.018 | 0.010 | | Key | 0.115 | 0.010 | | Link | 0.048 | 0.025 | | Loretto | 0.571 | 0.592 | | Margaret Blackwood | 0.036 | 0.078 | | New Lanark | 0 | 0.030 | | Rutherglen and Cambuslang | 2.261 | 0.530 | | Trust | 0.020 | 0.015","AnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226856,"EventID":"S3W-20251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to investigate the disposals that have the most successful outcomes in preventing reoffending by young people charged with criminal offences.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to investigate the disposals that have the most successful outcomes in preventing reoffending by young people charged with criminal offences.","AnswerText":"Preventing Offending by Young People: A Framework for Action (Bib. number 46408), which I published in June 2008, sets out a shared vision of what national and local agencies should do to prevent, divert, manage and change offending behaviour by young people. In the framework we have made a commitment to develop an evidence base around what works in early and effective intervention. Over the coming months we will undertake research which will look at the wide range of preventative responses available and their effectiveness, with a view to identifying and disseminating good practice. \r\n ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226857,"EventID":"S3W-20252","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria it has adopted in deciding at what level to set the age of criminal responsibility.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria it has adopted in deciding at what level to set the age of criminal responsibility.","AnswerText":"We have made clear our commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and to promoting and supporting the rights of all children in Scotland. Following the recent recommendations of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child we are currently considering the age of criminal responsibility in the wider context of meeting the needs of children while managing risk appropriately. These considerations are on-going. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226858,"EventID":"S3W-20253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which criminal charges against young people under-16 are regarded as appropriate for prosecution rather than reference to the children’s hearing system and for what reaso","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which criminal charges against young people under-16 are regarded as appropriate for prosecution rather than reference to the children’s hearing system and for what reasons.","AnswerText":"There are four categories of case which must be jointly reported to the Reporter to the Children''s Hearing and the Procurator Fiscal for discussion and therefore considered for prosecution. Where a child is under the age of 16 years, and, after discussion with the reporter, the decision is taken for the Procurator Fiscal to deal with the child, Crown Counsel''s instructions must be obtained before proceedings are commenced. Where a child is in custody and the Procurator Fiscal considers that immediate solemn proceedings are justified, the child can be placed on petition and the matter reported to Crown Counsel within three days for instructions. Prosecution of a child under 16 can only proceed in certain categories of cases and on the general or specific instructions of the Lord Advocate. The categories are as follows: 1. Offences which require by law to be prosecuted on indictment or which are so serious as normally to give rise to solemn proceedings on the instructions of the Lord Advocate in the public interest. 2. Offences alleged to have been committed by children aged 15 years or over which in the event of conviction oblige or permit a court to order disqualification from driving. 3. Offences alleged to have been committed by persons of over 16 years, who are under the supervision of a Children''s Hearing and this are children as defined in section 93(2)(b)(ii) of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995. 4. Breaches of antisocial behaviour orders allegedly committed by children aged 12 to 15 years (although there is a presumption that the Reporter will deal with these cases). The categories are further defined as follows: Category 1 Offences which require by law to be prosecuted on indictment fall under two heads: 1. common law offences which are within the exclusive jurisdiction of the High Court of Justiciary namely treason, murder and rape, and 2. statutory offences for which the statute only makes provision for prosecution on indictment or for a penalty on conviction on indictment - for example, contraventions of the Firearms Act 1968, Section 16, 17(1) and (2), and 18(1), the Road Traffic Act 1988, Section 1, and the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995 Section 5(1). Offences of culpable homicide, attempted murder, assault to the danger of life, sodomy, assault and robbery involving the use of firearms, attempted rape, incest and related offences (contrary to the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995 Sections 1-3) are offences which are normally indicted in the High Court of Justiciary. Other offences which may fall into this category as being those normally prosecuted on indictment are assault to severe injury or permanent disfigurement, assault with intent to rape, serious assault and robbery (in particular involving the use of weapons other than firearms), assault with intent to rob involving the use of firearms, fire-raising and malicious mischief causing or likely to cause great damage to property or danger to life, all Misuse of Drugs Act offences involving possession of Class A drugs and possession with intent to supply and supply of any controlled drugs. It should be emphasised that only offences which are normally prosecuted on indictment are to be reported to the Procurator Fiscal. Category 2 This category applies exclusively to children aged 15 years or over. Children will be prosecuted for this type of offence only if the Procurator Fiscal considers that it would be in the public interest to obtain a disqualification which would still be in force when the child became 16 and that in the event of conviction it was likely that the court would impose such a disqualification. Minor Road Traffic Act offences carrying a liability to discretionary disqualification should not normally be reported. Category 3 There is no restriction on t","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank Mulholland","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226859,"EventID":"S3W-20254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Crown Office has issued guidance as to the circumstances in which young people under-16 charged with criminal offences should be prosecuted rather than referr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Crown Office has issued guidance as to the circumstances in which young people under-16 charged with criminal offences should be prosecuted rather than referred to the children’s hearing system.","AnswerText":"The Lord Advocate has issued guidance to police forces in respect of offences alleged to have been committed by children which are appropriate for joint reporting by the police to the Procurator Fiscal and the Reporter to the Children''s Hearing. I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20253 on 5 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank Mulholland","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226860,"EventID":"S3W-20255","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students receive the full Young Students’ Bursary, broken down by assessed income.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students receive the full Young Students’ Bursary, broken down by assessed income.","AnswerText":"The table below shows students who received the maximum amount of Young Student''s Bursary in academic year 2007-08 broken down by parental/spousal income. | Income band | Number of Students | | < £5,000 | 2,860 | | £5,000 - £9,999 | 4,820 | | £10,000 - £14,999 | 5,040 | | £15,000 and above | 3,385 | | Income not declared/required | 1,940 | | Exempt from parental/spousal contribution | 485 | | Total | 18,535 | Note: Student numbers have been rounded up or down to the nearest five. Income bands are based on residual parental or, in the case of students who are married or in a civil partnership, spousal income. This is income after deductions allowed by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) have been subtracted. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226861,"EventID":"S3W-20256","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1735,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many compulsory purchase orders of domestic residencies there were in each year since 2009.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many compulsory purchase orders of domestic residencies there were in each year since 2009.","AnswerText":"With regard to compulsory purchase and compensation, Scottish ministers may act as a confirming authority, or as promoter. The main users of compulsory purchase powers are Transport Scotland, and local authorities. Other bodies with compulsory purchase powers include utility companies (water, gas and electricity), Scottish Enterprise, Historic Scotland and railway undertakings. This would require an assessment of each order submitted over the past 10 years in Transport, Education, Planning, Housing and Historic Scotland. A breakdown of each individual order is not centrally held and would only be possible to obtain by incurring disproportionate cost. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226862,"EventID":"S3W-20257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1735,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average compensation was for domestic properties obtained via compulsory purchase order in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average compensation was for domestic properties obtained via compulsory purchase order in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"With regard to compulsory purchase and compensation, Scottish ministers may act as a confirming authority, or as promoter. The main users of compulsory purchase powers are Transport Scotland, and local authorities. Other bodies with compulsory purchase powers include utility companies (water, gas and electricity), Scottish Enterprise, Historic Scotland and railway undertakings. Where Scottish ministers act as the confirming authority, they are not provided with information relating to the costs of the compensation paid to parties affected by the compulsory purchase. This information is accordingly not available centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226863,"EventID":"S3W-20258","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1735,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of domestic houses subject to compulsory purchase order was bought at market value in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of domestic houses subject to compulsory purchase order was bought at market value in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"With regard to compulsory purchase and compensation, Scottish ministers may act as a confirming authority, or as promoter. The main users of compulsory purchase powers are Transport Scotland, and local authorities. Other bodies with compulsory purchase powers include utility companies (water, gas and electricity), Scottish Enterprise, Historic Scotland and railway undertakings. Where Scottish ministers act as the confirming authority, they are not provided with information relating to the costs of the compensation paid to parties affected by the compulsory purchase. This information is accordingly not available centrally. The local authorities or the Valuations Office Agency may be able to provide assistance in this matter. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226864,"EventID":"S3W-20259","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1735,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many houses have been built using siporex, also broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many houses have been built using siporex, also broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. I understand, however, that siporex was used in the construction of houses in Livingston and in Edinburgh. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226865,"EventID":"S3W-20260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish national entitlement card will be compulsory for individuals seeking access to local leisure services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish national entitlement card will be compulsory for individuals seeking access to local leisure services.","AnswerText":"Not all councils use the national entitlement card (NEC) to access local services. For those councils who do offer access to local services via the NEC it is not compulsory for individuals to use it. The NEC is an additional convenient means of accessing local services. All councils offer alternatives for those customers who do not wish to use the NEC to access local services. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226866,"EventID":"S3W-20261","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what alternatives are available to individuals who would like to access leisure services, including swimming pools, community centres and libraries, but do not wish to ob","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what alternatives are available to individuals who would like to access leisure services, including swimming pools, community centres and libraries, but do not wish to obtain a Scottish national entitlement card.","AnswerText":"Not all local authorities use the national entitlement card (NEC) to access local leisure and/or library services. As the NEC is an additional means of access to local services the alternatives available will be the decision/choice of each local authority. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226867,"EventID":"S3W-20262","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what precautionary measures have been put in place to safeguard the privacy of the data gathered through the Scottish national entitlement card.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what precautionary measures have been put in place to safeguard the privacy of the data gathered through the Scottish national entitlement card.","AnswerText":"All data collected from a national entitlement card (NEC) application is collected in accordance with the Data Protection Act, 1998. Applicants are made aware of their rights under the act via the application form and a separate terms and conditions leaflet. In addition, applicants are asked whether or not they grant consent for their information to be shared with other public sector organisations. Individuals can also change this consent. Applicants for a NEC provide their local council with personal details including their name and address, date of birth, telephone number, gender etc. This information is necessary to validate and verify an applicant''s entitlement to services and establish a card holder citizen account, which is used to administer the NEC scheme i.e. information which allows the council to issue/re-issue a card. Each local authority has access to the records of their own residents only and is the data controller of this information. Council employees need a digital certificate (the means of allowing secure and private communications between authenticated parties) in order to access the system and all activities on the system are audited and logged (including any unauthorized attempts to access the system). Any transaction data in relation to individual services continues to be held separately by local authorities, i.e. it is not stored on the central card management system. Plans are also in place for individual card holders to have their own secure user login and password in order to see the data that is held about them and to be able to change the data, e.g. to notify a change of circumstances such as change of address. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226868,"EventID":"S3W-20263","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any local authorities have restricted access to leisure services where a Scottish national entitlement card has not been produced by a prospective user.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any local authorities have restricted access to leisure services where a Scottish national entitlement card has not been produced by a prospective user.","AnswerText":"The national entitlement card (NEC) is a local authority administered scheme. We are not aware of any local authority restricting the access to local leisure services because an individual does not have a NEC. Alternative means of access are available for individuals who do not wish to use the NEC to access local services. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226869,"EventID":"S3W-20264","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many young people have acquired a Scottish national entitlement card that is not a youth travel card.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many young people have acquired a Scottish national entitlement card that is not a youth travel card.","AnswerText":"As of 26 January 2009, there were a total of 248,470 cards issued to young people aged between 11 to 26. Of these, 186,492 were for those young people aged 11 to 15 and 19 to 26 inclusive i.e. those young people not eligible for the Young Persons Concessionary Travel Scheme. These figures exclude cards issued to young disabled people who qualify for the Scotland-wide free travel scheme for older and disabled people as these are not readily available. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226870,"EventID":"S3W-20265","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether individuals and officers with diplomatic immunity receive a written or verbal reprimand or notification when they are alleged to have committed road traffic or ve","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether individuals and officers with diplomatic immunity receive a written or verbal reprimand or notification when they are alleged to have committed road traffic or vehicle offences in Scotland.","AnswerText":"If a member of any diplomatic mission is alleged to have committed a road traffic or vehicle offence, the relevant police force should notify the Diplomatic Protection Group of the Metropolitan Police, who will then report it to the Protocol Directorate of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). The FCO would then take the appropriate action. For a minor offence, this is usually a formal letter to the relevant mission, bringing the alleged offence to their attention and reminding them of their duty to obey the laws of the UK. For more serious offences, consideration will be given to making a formal request for immunity to be waived. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226871,"EventID":"S3W-20266","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities and law enforcement agencies have discretion on whether and how individuals with diplomatic immunity are reprimanded or notified when they are a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities and law enforcement agencies have discretion on whether and how individuals with diplomatic immunity are reprimanded or notified when they are alleged to have committed road traffic or vehicle offences.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20265 on 11 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226872,"EventID":"S3W-20267","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on how many people based in Scotland hold diplomatic immunity.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on how many people based in Scotland hold diplomatic immunity.","AnswerText":"There are approximately 24,000 individuals entitled to some form of diplomatic privilege and immunity in the UK. The detailed information requested is currently being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 47566). ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226873,"EventID":"S3W-20268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on how many consulates and other international organisations with staff holding diplomatic immunity operate in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on how many consulates and other international organisations with staff holding diplomatic immunity operate in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20267 on 11 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226874,"EventID":"S3W-20269","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18600 by Nicola Sturgeon on 15 December 2008, what monitoring the Healthcare Associated Infection Task Force has undertaken in each","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18600 by Nicola Sturgeon on 15 December 2008, what monitoring the Healthcare Associated Infection Task Force has undertaken in each NHS board for compliance with the Protocol for the Scottish Surveillance Programme for Clostridium difficile Associated Disease in respect of the submission of samples to the national reference laboratory.","AnswerText":"Monitoring is carried out by laboratories who submit quarterly reports to Health Protection Scotland (HPS). These reports are quality assured by HPS who check with each NHS board that all episodes have been reported. In addition, HPS report findings to the Scottish Government''s Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI) Task Force on a regular basis. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226875,"EventID":"S3W-20270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that there is a standardised data collection system for recording toxin testing for Clostridium difficile. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that there is a standardised data collection system for recording toxin testing for Clostridium difficile. ","AnswerText":"A standardised data collection protocol for recording Clostridium difficile toxin testing was introduced in October 2007 and can be found on the Health Protection Scotland (HPS) website at: http://www.documents.hps.scot.nhs.uk/hai/sshaip/guidelines/clostridium-difficile/cdiff-protocol-v2-2007-10.pdf. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226876,"EventID":"S3W-20271","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which body is responsible for regulating the siting and operation of fin fish cages in fresh water.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which body is responsible for regulating the siting and operation of fin fish cages in fresh water.","AnswerText":"Planning authorities are responsible for determining applications for planning permission for siting of fish farms in fresh water. The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for regulating discharges from fresh water fish farm sites. The Fisheries Research Services, Fish Health Inspectorate are responsible for monitoring the health of fish. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226877,"EventID":"S3W-20272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19783 by Michael Russell on 28 January 2008, whether the Code of Good Practice for Scottish Finfish Aquaculture provides informatio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19783 by Michael Russell on 28 January 2008, whether the Code of Good Practice for Scottish Finfish Aquaculture provides information on the length of time that fin fish cages can be used on a single site without being moved in fresh water. ","AnswerText":"The Code of Good Practice for Scottish Finfish Aquaculture recommends that all pen sites should have a written fallowing plan and that site facilities, pens etc should be cleaned before restocking. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226878,"EventID":"S3W-20273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to introduce an ethical procurement policy for the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to introduce an ethical procurement policy for the NHS.","AnswerText":"In December 2008, the Scottish Government published The Scottish Procurement Policy Handbook which provides detail on both ethical standards of business and corporate social responsibility across the public sector in Scotland. NHS National Procurement, as the procurement centre of expertise for all NHSScotland organisations, is ensuring the adoption of these standards within the NHS procurement process in Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226879,"EventID":"S3W-20274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that ethical, sustainable and fair trade principles are applied across its directorates.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that ethical, sustainable and fair trade principles are applied across its directorates.","AnswerText":"Sustainable economic growth is at the heart of the Scottish Government''s purpose. All directorates are expected to take account of and contribute as appropriate through their policies and operations to the government''s overall purpose, strategic objectives and national outcomes. Fair and ethically traded products are sold in the staff restaurants and are used in the provision of the hospitality service across the estate. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226880,"EventID":"S3W-20275","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether ministers will liaise with the NHS in England and Wales in relation to the recently launched consultation on ethical and sustainable procurement in health care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether ministers will liaise with the NHS in England and Wales in relation to the recently launched consultation on ethical and sustainable procurement in health care.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will liaise with the NHS in England and Wales on the consultation. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226881,"EventID":"S3W-20276","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19849 by Kenny MacAskill on 28 January 2009, what countries have been designated by the Secretary of State for the purposes of the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19849 by Kenny MacAskill on 28 January 2009, what countries have been designated by the Secretary of State for the purposes of the Extradition Act 2003.","AnswerText":"Territories designated under Part 2 of the Extradition Act 2003 are either members of the 1957 European Convention on Extradition; the London Scheme for Extradition within the Commonwealth, or are parties to bilateral extradition treaties with the UK. http://police.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/operational-policing/european-convention-extradition. http://www.thecommonwealth.org/shared_asp_files/uploadedfiles/{56F55E5D-1882-4421-9CC1-71634DF17331}_London_Scheme.pdf. The countries involved are: Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Cook Islands, Croatia, Cuba, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Fiji, The Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Haiti, Iceland, India, Iraq, Israel, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Macedonia (FYR), Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Russian Federation, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Swaziland, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United States of America, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Western Samoa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The UK can also have extradition relations with parties to international conventions where the UK is also a member, which contain extradition provisions relating to specific very serious crimes. A list of the territories designated in this way (under section 193 of the Extradition Act), together with the conventions they have been designated under, can be found on the Office of Public Sector Information website. The relevant statutory instruments are 2003 No. 3334; 2004 No. 1898; 2005 Nos. 365 and 2036; 2006 No. 3451,2007 No. 2238 and 2008 No. 1589. http://www.opsi.gov.uk/. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226882,"EventID":"S3W-20277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to questions S3W-19850 and S3W-19852 by Kenny MacAskill on 28 January 2009, whether these answers indicate that Scottish ministers have no powers t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to questions S3W-19850 and S3W-19852 by Kenny MacAskill on 28 January 2009, whether these answers indicate that Scottish ministers have no powers to exercise their discretion in respect of the granting of a particular extradition order under the terms of the Extradition Act 2003.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19852 on 28 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. The answer to question S3W-19852 outlined the circumstance in which ministers are prohibited from ordering a person''s extradition. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226883,"EventID":"S3W-20278","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many test purchases of knives were conducted in the last year, broken down by police force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many test purchases of knives were conducted in the last year, broken down by police force.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of test purchases of knives is not held centrally. This is a matter for individual police forces and relevant agencies. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226884,"EventID":"S3W-20279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has issued guidance to police forces on test purchases of knives in the last year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has issued guidance to police forces on test purchases of knives in the last year.","AnswerText":"Guidance is available in A Practical Guide to Test Purchasing in Scotland which can be accessed on the Scottish Government website. This guidance, which draws on the experiences gained from the Scottish test purchasing pilots on tobacco and alcohol, was developed in conjunction with the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, the Society of Chief Officers for Trading Standards in Scotland, business representatives and health interest groups and agencies. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2007/10/25155751/0. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226885,"EventID":"S3W-20280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is offering police forces in relation to the conduct of test purchases of knives.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is offering police forces in relation to the conduct of test purchases of knives.","AnswerText":"The decision to undertake test purchases, whether as a co-ordinated initiative or in response to specific intelligence, is an operational matter for police forces. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226886,"EventID":"S3W-20281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many stop and searches were conducted by police officers in the last year, broken down by police force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many stop and searches were conducted by police officers in the last year, broken down by police force.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of stop and searches conducted by police officers is not held centrally. This is a matter for individual police forces. However, statistics collected on the year long Safer Scotland anti-violence campaign show that the campaign proved a success in targeting knife and alcohol-related violence across Scotland. Figures taken from the Safer Scotland Anti Violence Campaign 06-07 Final Report show that some 74,000 searches were carried out. Further statistics can be found in the report itself, the link to the website is: http://www.actiononviolence.co.uk/aov/files/Safer%20Scotland%20final%20report%2006%20-%2007.pdf. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226887,"EventID":"S3W-20282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many knives were seized by the police in the last year, broken down by police force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many knives were seized by the police in the last year, broken down by police force.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of knives seized by the police is not held centrally. This is a matter for individual police forces. However, statistics collected on the year long Safer Scotland anti-violence campaign show that the campaign proved a success in targeting knife and alcohol-related violence across Scotland. Figures taken from the Safer Scotland Anti Violence Campaign 06-07 Final Report show that the campaign''s crackdown on those carrying knives saw some 1,375 knives seized nationwide. Further statistics can be found in the report itself, the link to the website is: http://www.actiononviolence.co.uk/aov/files/Safer%20Scotland%20final%20report%2006%20-%2007.pdf. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226888,"EventID":"S3W-20283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many knives were seized by the police as a result of stop and searches in the last year, broken down by police force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many knives were seized by the police as a result of stop and searches in the last year, broken down by police force.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of knives seized by the police as a result of stop and searches is not held centrally. This is a matter for individual police forces. However, statistics collected on the year long Safer Scotland anti-violence campaign show that the campaign proved a success in targeting knife and alcohol-related violence across Scotland. Figures taken from the Safer Scotland Anti Violence Campaign 06-07 Final Report show that the campaign''s crackdown on those carrying knives saw some 74,000 searches carried out resulting in 1,375 knives being seized. Further statistics can be found in the report itself, the link to the website is: http://www.actiononviolence.co.uk/aov/files/Safer%20Scotland%20final%20report%2006%20-%2007.pdf. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226889,"EventID":"S3W-20284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many offensive weapons were seized by the police as a result of stop and searches in the last year, broken down by (a) type of weapon and (b) police force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many offensive weapons were seized by the police as a result of stop and searches in the last year, broken down by (a) type of weapon and (b) police force.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of offensive weapons seized by the police as a result of stop and searches is not held centrally. This is a matter for individual police forces. However, statistics collected on the year long Safer Scotland anti-violence campaign show that the campaign proved a success in targeting knife and alcohol-related violence across Scotland. Figures taken from the Safer Scotland Anti Violence Campaign 06-07 Final Report show that some 74,000 searches were carried out resulting in 1,375 knives and 1,165 other weapons being seized. Further statistics can be found in the report itself, the link to the website is: http://www.actiononviolence.co.uk/aov/files/Safer%20Scotland%20final%20report%2006%20-%2007.pdf. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226890,"EventID":"S3W-20285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many knives were surrendered voluntarily at police stations in the last year, broken down by police force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many knives were surrendered voluntarily at police stations in the last year, broken down by police force.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of knives surrendered voluntarily at police stations is not held centrally. This is a matter for individual police forces. However, statistics collected on the year long Safer Scotland anti-violence campaign show that the campaign proved a success in targeting knife and alcohol related violence across Scotland. Figures taken from the Safer Scotland Anti Violence Campaign 06-07 Final Report show that the campaign saw some 12,645 weapons surrendered. Further statistics can be found in the report itself, the link to the website is: http://www.actiononviolence.co.uk/aov/files/Safer%20Scotland%20final%20report%2006%20-%2007.pdf. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226891,"EventID":"S3W-20286","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many offensive weapons were surrendered voluntarily at police stations in the last year, broken down by (a) type of weapon and (b) police force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many offensive weapons were surrendered voluntarily at police stations in the last year, broken down by (a) type of weapon and (b) police force.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of offensive weapons surrendered voluntarily at police stations is not held centrally. This is a matter for individual police forces. However, statistics collected on the year long Safer Scotland anti-violence campaign show that the campaign proved a success in targeting knife and alcohol-related violence across Scotland. Figures taken from the Safer Scotland Anti Violence Campaign 06-07 Final Report show that the campaign saw some 12,645 weapons surrendered. Further statistics can be found in the report itself, the link to the website is: http://www.actiononviolence.co.uk/aov/files/Safer%20Scotland%20final%20report%2006%20-%2007.pdf. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226892,"EventID":"S3W-20287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to curb the supply of knives to young people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to curb the supply of knives to young people.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is pursuing a number of measures to curb the supply of knives to young people. The Custodial Sentences and Weapons (Scotland) Act 2007 has given ministers the power to introduce a licensing scheme for knife dealers. As part of the licensing scheme, dealers will be required to keep records of how proof of age was established. Our consultation on draft regulations to establish the scheme concluded at the end of October. We shall announce our response shortly then bring forward an order for parliamentary consideration. In addition, test purchasing of age restricted products is a useful tool available to the police to crack down on those who sell knives to young people. The decision to undertake test purchases whether as a co-ordinated initiative or in response to specific intelligence is an operational matter for police forces. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226893,"EventID":"S3W-20288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to educate parents about the dangers of knife crime and access to knives.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to educate parents about the dangers of knife crime and access to knives.","AnswerText":"Parents and carers have a vitally important role in preventing children becoming involved in a gang or carrying a knife and we are committed to supporting their efforts. We provide Parentline Scotland with over £100,000 per annum to provide a free and confidential helpline for any parent or carer looking after a child in Scotland who need advice on a range of issues. And, through the national Violence Reduction Unit, leaflets providing parents and carers with advice on preventing their child becoming involved in this behaviour has been sent to every nursery, primary school, doctors surgery and library in Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226894,"EventID":"S3W-20289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any successful current initiatives in schools that are helping to reduce the carrying of knives and knife crime among young people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any successful current initiatives in schools that are helping to reduce the carrying of knives and knife crime among young people.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is aware of a range of resources and curricular programmes currently available in schools aimed to help reduce the carrying of knives and knife crime among young people. The national Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) - funded by the Scottish Government - has promoted programmes and materials on the dangers of knife carrying to schools and young people as part of its anti-violence campaign, including the Knife City DVD and the t''s Jist for Protection performance by young people. It is up to individual schools, youth organisations and local authorities to decide on which resources to use from the wide range of materials and educational programmes available on the dangers of illegal knife carrying, as they are best placed to judge the needs of the children and young people in their communities. \r\n ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226896,"EventID":"S3W-20291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that a problem exists in relation to knife crime, young people and the withholding of evidence and, if so, what action it is taking to tackle the pro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that a problem exists in relation to knife crime, young people and the withholding of evidence and, if so, what action it is taking to tackle the problem.","AnswerText":"Whilst the circumstances of each individual case can be unique, neither the Scottish Government, nor the police, consider this to be a problem. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226897,"EventID":"S3W-20292","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to protect children against any health risks from mobile phones in light of recent actions in France.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to protect children against any health risks from mobile phones in light of recent actions in France.","AnswerText":"The UK Health Protection Agency maintains an overview of emerging research on the health effects of mobile phones. They advise that no new evidence has emerged to alter their current advice. In keeping with that advice, the UK Chief Medical Officers strongly advise that where children and young people do use mobile phones, they should be encouraged to use them for essential purposes only and to keep all calls short. The Scottish Government considers that this approach maintains an appropriate balance between individual responsibility and regulatory control. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226898,"EventID":"S3W-20293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made by local authorities to address the issue of equal pay.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made by local authorities to address the issue of equal pay.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is not involved in the negotiations taking place at local authority level on equal pay. These are matters for local authorities as independent corporate bodies. However, I am aware that written evidence provided by COSLA to the Equal Opportunities Committee on 7 October 2008 states that 26 local authorities had implemented, or were extremely close to implementing, local single status and grading structures and that the remaining local authorities were moving towards implementation and were at an advanced stage. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226899,"EventID":"S3W-20294","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will allow local authorities to make use of tax increment financing in relation to business rates","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will allow local authorities to make use of tax increment financing in relation to business rates","AnswerText":"We will consider any proposals from local authorities which make use of tax increment financing so long as these make financial sense. The City of Edinburgh Council is currently exploring the use of tax increment financing with the Scottish Futures Trust. In parallel, we are exploring in conjunction with COSLA as part of a joint review of the local government distribution formula, whether it may be possible to incentivise councils to grow their business rate by retaining any additional business rate income that they raise. One option being considered is tax increment financing. This review is due to be completed by end October 2009 and will inform the local government settlement for 2011-12, following the next spending review. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226900,"EventID":"S3W-20296","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings of the Victim Steering Group have taken place since May 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings of the Victim Steering Group have taken place since May 2007.","AnswerText":"The principal role of the Victim Steering Group was to oversee the implementation of Scottish Strategy for Victims and the related action plan. Since the key elements of the action plan have been implemented the function of the group has been fulfilled and consequently there have been no meetings of the group since May 2007. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226901,"EventID":"S3W-20297","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the membership is of the Victim Steering Group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the membership is of the Victim Steering Group.","AnswerText":"The organisations invited to the last meeting of the Victim Steering Group, which was held in January 2007, were: the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, the Association of Directors of Social Work, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, the District Courts Association (now the Scottish Justices Association), Her Majesty''s Inspectorate of Constabulary, the Judicial Studies Committee, the Law Society of Scotland, Scotland''s Campaign against Irresponsible Drivers, the Scottish Children''s Reporter Administration, the Scottish Court Service, the Scottish Prison Service, the Sheriff''s Association, the Victims'' Forum and Victim Support Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226902,"EventID":"S3W-20298","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current strategy is of the Victim Steering Group. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current strategy is of the Victim Steering Group. ","AnswerText":"The Victim Steering Group was instrumental in producing the Scottish Strategy for Victims. The main elements of the strategy have been implemented, including the extension of the Victim Notification Scheme and the introduction of the Victim Statement Scheme. The strategy is currently being reviewed and this is examining how best to engage victims and victims organisations in policy development and service delivery. Any future role for the Victim Steering Group will be considered as part of this examination. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226903,"EventID":"S3W-20299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19443 by Jim Mather on 20 January 2009, how much the public sector has contributed to the Ravenscraig site in Lanarkshire in each y","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19443 by Jim Mather on 20 January 2009, how much the public sector has contributed to the Ravenscraig site in Lanarkshire in each year since the start of the redevelopment project, broken down by public sector agency.","AnswerText":"Between 1999 and 2008 Scottish Enterprise has invested approximately £20,370,000 in the Ravenscraig Development Project and through EU funding £7,370,000 has been provided broken down as follows: | | SE Funding | EU funding | | 1999 | £118,000 | £46,000 | | 2000 | £5,598,000 | £2,208,000 | | 2001 | £2,727,000 | £1,068,000 | | 2002 | £120,000 | NIL | | 2003 | £600,000 | £491,000 | | 2004 | £1,738,000 | £1,738,000 | | 2005 | £1,261,000 | £1,261,000 | | 2006 | £336,000 | £336,000 | | 2007 | £6,902,000 | £222,000 | | 2008 | £970,000 | £NIL | | Total | £20,307,000 | £7,370,000 | The capital expenditure at Ravenscraig prior to 1999 was almost exclusively private sector. SE costs were related to the preparatory phase (masterplanning, statutory and technical consents, legals and the like). North Lanarkshire Council''s contribution is not included as we do not hold this information. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226904,"EventID":"S3W-20300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what treatment is available in each NHS board area for people with an eating disorder.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what treatment is available in each NHS board area for people with an eating disorder.","AnswerText":"NHS boards in Scotland provide a full range of care and treatment for eating disorders across community based and hospital services, including access to specialist in-patient care. I am delighted that a new purpose designed 10 bed specialist NHS in-patient facility for eating disorder care to serve the North of Scotland is now operational at the Royal Cornhill Hospital in Aberdeen, adding to the partnership hospital provision already available across Scotland. All areas and all services are working toward improved access and outcomes for service users based on prevention, intervention and sustained supported recovery. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226905,"EventID":"S3W-20301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19999 by Nicola Sturgeon on 28 January 2009, whether it will outline the timescale for the appraisal process. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19999 by Nicola Sturgeon on 28 January 2009, whether it will outline the timescale for the appraisal process. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) aims to issue advice to NHSScotland on all newly licensed medicines as soon as it is practical to do so after the medicine is available for use. The appraisal process takes 18 weeks from receipt of the manufacturer''s product submission to publication of advice on the SMC website. More information on the stages and timescales for the SMC assessment process is available on the SMC website http://www.scottishmedicines.org.uk/. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226906,"EventID":"S3W-20302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent by its Justice Analytical Services Division on consultancy fees in each year since 2003-04.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent by its Justice Analytical Services Division on consultancy fees in each year since 2003-04.","AnswerText":"The detailed information requested is currently being collated and I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 47537). ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226907,"EventID":"S3W-20303","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of consultancy contracts was issued for acceptance by its Justice Analytical Services Division without involving an element of competitive tendering in ea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of consultancy contracts was issued for acceptance by its Justice Analytical Services Division without involving an element of competitive tendering in each year since 2003-04.","AnswerText":"The detailed information requested is currently being collated and I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 47538). ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226908,"EventID":"S3W-20304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many contracts were awarded by its Justice Analytical Services Division to PA Consulting in each year since 2003-04 and of what value.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many contracts were awarded by its Justice Analytical Services Division to PA Consulting in each year since 2003-04 and of what value.","AnswerText":"The detailed information requested is currently being collated and I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 47539). ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226909,"EventID":"S3W-20305","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list consultancy firms that were awarded consultancy contracts with regard to its Justice Analytical Services Division in each year since 2003-04.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list consultancy firms that were awarded consultancy contracts with regard to its Justice Analytical Services Division in each year since 2003-04.","AnswerText":"The detailed information requested is currently being collated and I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 47540). ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226910,"EventID":"S3W-20306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each contracted consultancy firm has received from the Justice Analytical Services Division since 2003-04.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each contracted consultancy firm has received from the Justice Analytical Services Division since 2003-04.","AnswerText":"The detailed information requested is currently being collated and I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 47541). ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226911,"EventID":"S3W-20307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":71,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a further £60 million for town centre regeneration will be allocated in 2010-11.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a further £60 million for town centre regeneration will be allocated in 2010-11.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has made clear its intention to introduce a new £60 million Town Centre Regeneration Fund as part of the 2009-10 Budget package. We have no present plans for provision in 2010-11. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226912,"EventID":"S3W-20308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19849 by Kenny MacAskill on 28 January 2009, whether in consideration of Part 2 requests for extradition, as set out in the Extradi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19849 by Kenny MacAskill on 28 January 2009, whether in consideration of Part 2 requests for extradition, as set out in the Extradition Act 2003, the same test of dual criminality must be met as for Part 1 requests.","AnswerText":"The test in relation to dual criminality is, in essence, encompassed in the definitions of extradition offence as provided for in sections 64 and 65 (in relation to category 1 territories) and sections 137 and 138 (in relation to category 2 territories) of the Extradition Act 2003. The same definitions apply with one exception. In relation to category 1 requests, an extradition request also includes an alleged offence (or conviction) which is certified by the requesting state as falling within the European framework list and attracts the necessary minimum periods of detention. In respect of those European framework list offences (which are applicable in category one cases only) there is no requirement for dual criminality. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226913,"EventID":"S3W-20309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19109 by Stewart Maxwell on 19 January 2008, how much each council has received from the £25 million funding package for council ho","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19109 by Stewart Maxwell on 19 January 2008, how much each council has received from the £25 million funding package for council housing. ","AnswerText":"Applications are currently being assessed against principles agreed in partnership with COSLA and no decisions have been reached on which councils will receive funding or how much each council will receive. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226914,"EventID":"S3W-20310","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19109 by Stewart Maxwell on 19 January 2008, what criteria were used to decide on applications to the £25 million funding package f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19109 by Stewart Maxwell on 19 January 2008, what criteria were used to decide on applications to the £25 million funding package for council housing.","AnswerText":"No decisions have been made on which applications should receive a share of the £25 million to encourage council house building. Applications are being assessed jointly with COSLA at present using the following principles: The council has the ability to manage the new stock effectively. The council has prudential borrowing capacity and/or uses other financial resources. The required subsidy for any proposed development from the Scottish Government will be less than £25,000 per home. The area has housing need and the new homes will contribute to the council meeting its 2012 homelessness target. The council can demonstrate that it has well developed plans to ensure delivery of the proposed new housing. The number of units that are built is maximised within the resources available but not at the expense of having to compromise on design quality. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226915,"EventID":"S3W-20311","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have contributed to the £40 million of accelerated housing funding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have contributed to the £40 million of accelerated housing funding.","AnswerText":"All 32 councils have contributed towards the £40million of accelerated housing funding. Details of the amounts contributed by each council were published in Finance Circular 5/2008, Annexes I and J, which can be found on the Scottish Government website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/local-government/17999/circular5. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226916,"EventID":"S3W-20312","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish a housing investment plan.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish a housing investment plan.","AnswerText":"Details of the Affordable Housing Investment Programme were announced on 30 May 2008. This included a breakdown of planned funding levels by local authority area. The subsequent accelerated funding of £35 million for 2008-09 was announced in three tranches on 7 October, 27 November and 27 January 2008. An additional £5 million for the Mortgage to Rent scheme was announced on 8 December 2008. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226917,"EventID":"S3W-20313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing still anticipates that the police and area procurator fiscal investigations into the deaths from Clostridium diffic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing still anticipates that the police and area procurator fiscal investigations into the deaths from Clostridium difficile at the Vale of Leven Hospital will conclude by March 2009.","AnswerText":"The Crown Office Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) have indicated that both Strathclyde Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are aiming to provide the Area Procurator Fiscal with reports by March 2009. These investigations involve interviewing a large number of witnesses and the examination of complex issues. Both organisations have committed considerable resources to the completion of this work. It will then be for the Area Procurator Fiscal to determine whether any further inquiries are required before he submits his report for consideration by Crown Counsel. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226918,"EventID":"S3W-20314","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been allocated to public inquiries since May 2007; what the subjects of these inquires have been, and how they have been funded.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been allocated to public inquiries since May 2007; what the subjects of these inquires have been, and how they have been funded.","AnswerText":"Three inquiries conducted under The Inquiries (Scotland) Rules 2007 (Scottish Statutory Instrument 560/2007) have so far been established under the Inquiries Act 2005. These are: the ICL Inquiry into the circumstances leading up to the incident on 11 May 2004 at the premises occupied by the ICL group of companies, Grovepark Mills, Maryhill, Glasgow; the Fingerprint Inquiry into the steps that were taken to identify and verify the fingerprints associated with, and leading up to, the case of HM Advocate v. McKie in 1999, and the Penrose Inquiry into the circumstances of HIV and Hepatitis C being transmitted through blood products in Scotland. Section 17 of the 2005 act requires both that the procedure and conduct of an inquiry are to be such as the chairman of the inquiry may direct and that, in making any decision as to the procedure or conduct of an inquiry, the chairman must act with regard to the need to avoid any unnecessary cost (whether to public funds or to witnesses or others). Section 39 of the 2005 act requires ministers to pay inquiry expenses, subject to certain limitations. Funding requirements of any Inquiries established under the 2005 act are thus determined to a great extent by the directions of the chairman on an inquiry''s procedure and conduct, which may vary greatly. The full expense is required to be met by a re-prioritisation of resources from within existing programmes. Specific financial provisions made for the Penrose Inquiry are described in response to the answer to question S3W-19572 on 23 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226919,"EventID":"S3W-20315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of the 078 strain of Clostridium difficile have been identified in care homes, broken down by care home.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of the 078 strain of Clostridium difficile have been identified in care homes, broken down by care home.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20317 on 12 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226920,"EventID":"S3W-20316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the levels of MRSA and Clostridium difficile were in care homes in (a) 2006-07, (b) 2007-08 and (c) the first three quarters of 2008-09.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the levels of MRSA and Clostridium difficile were in care homes in (a) 2006-07, (b) 2007-08 and (c) the first three quarters of 2008-09.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20317 on 12 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226921,"EventID":"S3W-20317","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it measures levels of Clostridium difficile in care homes and what body is responsible for doing so.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it measures levels of Clostridium difficile in care homes and what body is responsible for doing so.","AnswerText":"Patients in care homes are treated by GPs, just as any other member of the public in the community would be, therefore this information is not held centrally. Given the importance of the care home sector, the HAI Task Force is taking forward a specific action to explore surveillance of healthcare associated infection (HAI) with the Independent Care Home Sector and how it can best be applied. To assist care homes in their understanding of HAI, the Scottish Government''s Health Directorates have funded a Nurse Consultant in an HAI post. The post-holder took up post beginning of February. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226922,"EventID":"S3W-20318","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make mandatory the recording on death certificates of Clostridium difficile where it is the cause of death.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make mandatory the recording on death certificates of Clostridium difficile where it is the cause of death.","AnswerText":"It is already a statutory requirement, under section 24 of the Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Scotland) Act 1965, for a registered medical practitioner to issue a medical certificate of cause of death stating to the best of his knowledge and belief the cause of death, and that would include Clostridium difficile. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226923,"EventID":"S3W-20319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) its policy is and (b) the arrangements are for inviting local MPs and MSPs to official functions organised by it.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) its policy is and (b) the arrangements are for inviting local MPs and MSPs to official functions organised by it.","AnswerText":"There is no policy regarding this issue, however, the commissioning policy area within the Scottish Government in consultation with stakeholders and the ministerial host determine the compilation of invitation lists for official engagements organised by the Scottish Government. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226924,"EventID":"S3W-20320","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what official engagements organised by it since May 2007 local MPs have been invited.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what official engagements organised by it since May 2007 local MPs have been invited.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government publishes on a quarterly basis on the Scottish Government website (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/14944/hospitality) the guest lists of those who have accepted an invitation to attend a Scottish Government hospitality event. Information regarding the invitation of MPs to engagements is not held centrally and to locate and compile this information could only be done at disproportionate cost. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226925,"EventID":"S3W-20321","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is responsible for making the final decision regarding the invitation lists for official engagements organised by it.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is responsible for making the final decision regarding the invitation lists for official engagements organised by it.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20319 on 12 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226926,"EventID":"S3W-20322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on all aspects of the Working Group on Scotland Without Nuclear Weapons.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on all aspects of the Working Group on Scotland Without Nuclear Weapons.","AnswerText":"The total spent on the Working Group on Scotland Without Nuclear Weapons to date is £117.58. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226927,"EventID":"S3W-20323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many legal cases have been heard or are outstanding in relation to right of access over rights of way or other rights of responsible access under sections 13 and 14 o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many legal cases have been heard or are outstanding in relation to right of access over rights of way or other rights of responsible access under sections 13 and 14 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers to questions S3W-20324 and S3W-20325, on 9 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226928,"EventID":"S3W-20324","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many legal cases have comprised of an alleged obstruction of common law rights of way or other forms of responsible access by landowners or land managers in contraven","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many legal cases have comprised of an alleged obstruction of common law rights of way or other forms of responsible access by landowners or land managers in contravention of section 14 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003; where those cases have been heard, and what the outcomes were.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government collects information on the number of written notices that access authorities have served on land owners under section 14 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 requiring remedial action where obstructions must be removed. Between 9 February 2005 and 31 March 2008, 19 section 14 notices were issued to remove obstructions. In six of these cases appeals against the notice have been made to a sheriff court. In addition, one court case was initiated by a land owner under section 28 of the act. The outcome or current status of these cases can be found on the Scottish Courts website at the following address: http://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/opinionsApp/sheriff.asp. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226929,"EventID":"S3W-20325","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authorities or other access authorities have been required to take legal action under section 13 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 to assert, protect ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authorities or other access authorities have been required to take legal action under section 13 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 to assert, protect and keep open and free from obstruction or encroachment any route, waterway or other means by which access rights are reasonably exercised in their area and what the outcome has been in each instance in which legal action has been necessary.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not collect this information. It is held by the 34 Scottish access authorities. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226930,"EventID":"S3W-20326","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it takes to ensure that landowners, land managers and access authorities comply with their duties under sections 13 and 14 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it takes to ensure that landowners, land managers and access authorities comply with their duties under sections 13 and 14 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20333 on 9 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226931,"EventID":"S3W-20327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to monitor the success or otherwise of part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 since it received Royal Assent.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to monitor the success or otherwise of part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 since it received Royal Assent.","AnswerText":"Monitoring of access authorities'' progress in implementing Part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 commenced in February 2005 and continues on an annual basis. Data from the sixth return will be published in the summer of 2009 and will be available on the Scottish Government website at the following address: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/Countryside/16328/AccessAuthorities. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226932,"EventID":"S3W-20328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many disputes over rights of responsible access have been (a) referred to and (b) resolved by local access forums across Scotland in each year since the Land Reform (","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many disputes over rights of responsible access have been (a) referred to and (b) resolved by local access forums across Scotland in each year since the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 received Royal Assent.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold this information. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226933,"EventID":"S3W-20329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received advice from planning officials regarding the outstanding refusal of Aviemore resort hotels to grant right of access over a long-standing right of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received advice from planning officials regarding the outstanding refusal of Aviemore resort hotels to grant right of access over a long-standing right of way from Laurel Bank Lane in Aviemore village and across the resort.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not received any advice from its planning officials on this subject. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226934,"EventID":"S3W-20330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any reports or been asked for or received advice from the Cairngorm National Park Authority planning officials regarding the outstanding refusal o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any reports or been asked for or received advice from the Cairngorm National Park Authority planning officials regarding the outstanding refusal of Aviemore resort hotels to grant right of access over a long-standing right of way from Laurel Bank Lane in Aviemore village and across the resort.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has received a copy of a report from the Cairngorms National Park Authority to the members of the local outdoor access forum on the interim findings of the sheriff court in this case. The Scottish Government has not been asked for, nor has it offered, advice on the matter. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226935,"EventID":"S3W-20331","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any pending prosecution being brought by the Cairngorm National Park Authority and the local access forum against Aviemore resort hotels using stat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any pending prosecution being brought by the Cairngorm National Park Authority and the local access forum against Aviemore resort hotels using statutory powers conferred under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 to ensure that landowners comply with their access obligations under section 14.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20332 on 9 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226936,"EventID":"S3W-20332","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the deconstruction of the fence that blocks rights of access from Laurel Bank Lane and across Aviemore resort hotels’ land in the village of Aviemore.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the deconstruction of the fence that blocks rights of access from Laurel Bank Lane and across Aviemore resort hotels’ land in the village of Aviemore.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Cairngorms National Park Authority as access authority. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226937,"EventID":"S3W-20333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports local access forums, ramblers and others seeking to ensure that landowners who attempt to obstruct rights of way and other forms of access are properl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports local access forums, ramblers and others seeking to ensure that landowners who attempt to obstruct rights of way and other forms of access are properly held to account under the Land Reform Act (Scotland) 2003 and, if so, how such support is effected.","AnswerText":"Yes, the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 places emphasis on the local management of access and makes it the duty of the local access authority to uphold access rights under the provisions contained within the act. Support for access authorities and local access forums is provided in the Scottish Government''s written guidance on the implementation of the access provisions of the act, and in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Local access forums can also seek advice and support from the National Access Forum. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226938,"EventID":"S3W-20334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice or assistance it has given to Cairngorm National Park Authority or the local access forum or the local community to ensure that a long-standing right of way a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice or assistance it has given to Cairngorm National Park Authority or the local access forum or the local community to ensure that a long-standing right of way and other forms of access in Aviemore are not improperly obstructed by Aviemore resort hotels.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has not given advice or assistance to the Cairngorms National Park Authority or the local access forum on this matter. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226939,"EventID":"S3W-20335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in expediting the consideration of the Aviemore resort hotels (ARH) planning applications, including the ARH master plan, by the Cairngorm National Park Authority in Dec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in expediting the consideration of the Aviemore resort hotels (ARH) planning applications, including the ARH master plan, by the Cairngorm National Park Authority in December 2007, whether Scottish ministers were aware of the dispute over access rights at the resort.","AnswerText":"Ministers had no reason to engage with this issue. The Cairngorms National Park Authority, as local planning authority, was responsible for consideration of, and decision on, these planning applications, and, in its role as local access authority, for consideration of any disputes over access rights under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226940,"EventID":"S3W-20336","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies were undertaken on the public transport provision around the existing Forth Road Bridge prior to the decision to use it for public transport instead of the p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies were undertaken on the public transport provision around the existing Forth Road Bridge prior to the decision to use it for public transport instead of the proposed Forth Replacement Crossing, as originally planned.","AnswerText":"We plan to publish the study reports which support the decision to use the Forth Road Bridge as a dedicated public transport corridor by the end of February 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226941,"EventID":"S3W-20337","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether studies of public transport provision around the existing Forth Road Bridge will be undertaken following the decision to use it for public transport instead of th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether studies of public transport provision around the existing Forth Road Bridge will be undertaken following the decision to use it for public transport instead of the proposed Forth Replacement Crossing, as originally planned.","AnswerText":"Studies of public transport provision around the existing Forth Road Bridge are on-going. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226942,"EventID":"S3W-20338","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will improve public transport provision around the existing Forth Road Bridge following the decision to use it for public transport instead of the proposed For","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will improve public transport provision around the existing Forth Road Bridge following the decision to use it for public transport instead of the proposed Forth Replacement Crossing, as originally planned.","AnswerText":"Yes, improving public transport provision remains a key objective of this project and the Strategic Transport Projects Review. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226943,"EventID":"S3W-20339","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the potential costs of any changes needed to public transport provision around the existing Forth Road Bridge were included in the estimated cost of the proposed ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the potential costs of any changes needed to public transport provision around the existing Forth Road Bridge were included in the estimated cost of the proposed Forth Replacement Crossing.","AnswerText":"The cost estimates of £1.7 billion to £2.3 billion include scope for facilitating improvements to public transport, but not specific provisions beyond the use for buses. We are continuing to work with the local authorities regarding specific measures. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226944,"EventID":"S3W-20340","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the status is of the suggestion to build a park-and-ride facility at Echline.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the status is of the suggestion to build a park-and-ride facility at Echline.","AnswerText":"The construction of a park-and-ride facility at Echline is currently under consideration. Transport Scotland will continue to work with the local authorities on this matter. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226945,"EventID":"S3W-20341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it would cost to build a park-and-ride facility at Echline and whether that cost is included in the proposed costs of between £1.7 and £2.3 billion for the proposed ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it would cost to build a park-and-ride facility at Echline and whether that cost is included in the proposed costs of between £1.7 and £2.3 billion for the proposed Forth Replacement Crossing.","AnswerText":"The cost of building a park-and-ride facility at Echline still stands to be established. By utilising the existing road construction and lighting, the costs would be minimised, and would likely be in the order of £1 million to £1.5 million. This has not been included in the Forth Replacement Crossing project costs. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226946,"EventID":"S3W-20342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions Transport Scotland has had with the City of Edinburgh Council, bus operators and other key stakeholders about increasing public transport availability as","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions Transport Scotland has had with the City of Edinburgh Council, bus operators and other key stakeholders about increasing public transport availability as a result of the proposed Forth Replacement Crossing.","AnswerText":"Since the feasibility stage of the Forth Replacement Crossing project, Transport Scotland has held regular discussions with the local authorities, SEStran, and key stakeholders with regards to the project development, including possible measures to increase public transport availability, which is a key objective of the project. In developing our plans for a dedicated public transport corridor, Transport Scotland met with bus operating companies to discuss opportunities for facilitating and increasing public transport across the Forth and to ensure our strategy is aligned. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226947,"EventID":"S3W-20343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what traffic modelling has been undertaken to identify the impact on traffic levels of the proposed new road layout of the A904 at Newton.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what traffic modelling has been undertaken to identify the impact on traffic levels of the proposed new road layout of the A904 at Newton.","AnswerText":"Traffic modelling has been undertaken using the Transport Model for Scotland. This supplies traffic forecasts which take into account travel demand associated with household and jobs growth and trip distribution and mode choice. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226948,"EventID":"S3W-20344","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether estimates have been made of the increase in carbon emissions that would result from the construction and operation of the proposed Forth Replacement Crossing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether estimates have been made of the increase in carbon emissions that would result from the construction and operation of the proposed Forth Replacement Crossing.","AnswerText":"The carbon emissions from the construction have been estimated and will be detailed in the Study Reports planned for publication before the end of February 2009. Those arising from the operation of the replacement crossing will be estimated as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which Transport Scotland is currently undertaking. The results will be reported in the Environmental Statement later in 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226949,"EventID":"S3W-20345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessments have been undertaken by Transport Scotland of baseline air quality and noise levels in the residential areas affected by the building of the proposed For","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessments have been undertaken by Transport Scotland of baseline air quality and noise levels in the residential areas affected by the building of the proposed Forth Replacement Crossing.","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland is currently undertaking an assessment of air quality and noise, including assessment of baseline levels within the route corridor, as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed Forth Replacement Crossing. The results will be published in the Environmental Statement later in 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226950,"EventID":"S3W-20346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will decide on any compensation package to be available to householders affected by the building of the proposed Forth Replacement Crossing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will decide on any compensation package to be available to householders affected by the building of the proposed Forth Replacement Crossing.","AnswerText":"The law relating to compensation and compulsory purchase is complex and the rules that will apply to the Forth Replacement Crossing will not be finally defined until the Act has been secured. In the meanwhile, affected householders have been advised at recent public exhibitions that the information contained within the Guidance on the Compulsory Purchase Process and Compensation booklet, published by Transport Scotland in 2007, provides a general overview as it relates to schemes promoted by means of Roads Orders. We intend to revise this general guidance in the context of the bill procedures in the spring. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226951,"EventID":"S3W-20347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason the timetable for the building of the proposed Forth Replacement Crossing has not been reduced, given the downgrading of the bridge design and related roa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason the timetable for the building of the proposed Forth Replacement Crossing has not been reduced, given the downgrading of the bridge design and related road networks.","AnswerText":"The timetable for constructing the Forth Replacement Crossing has not changed: the bridge is the critical construction activity and although the width of the bridge has been reduced, the design and construction operations have to be undertaken in a certain sequence, which do not result in a materially shorter duration for construction of a bridge of this scale. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226952,"EventID":"S3W-20348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason there will be no dedicated space for pedestrians or cyclists on the proposed Forth Replacement Crossing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason there will be no dedicated space for pedestrians or cyclists on the proposed Forth Replacement Crossing.","AnswerText":"As the existing facilities for pedestrians and cyclists on the Forth Road Bridge are more than adequate, additional provision on the replacement crossing is neither required nor a good use of resources. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226953,"EventID":"S3W-20349","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what body will be responsible for the administration of the proposed Forth Replacement Crossing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what body will be responsible for the administration of the proposed Forth Replacement Crossing.","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland will be responsible for the Forth Replacement Crossing project on behalf of Scottish ministers. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226954,"EventID":"S3W-20350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many buses it expects to cross the existing Forth Road Bridge on a daily basis following the opening of the proposed Forth Replacement Crossing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many buses it expects to cross the existing Forth Road Bridge on a daily basis following the opening of the proposed Forth Replacement Crossing.","AnswerText":"The forecast for assumed minimum bus numbers crossing the Forth Road Bridge is based on existing services which call at Ferrytoll park and ride and cross the Forth Road Bridge. The current bus service level to and from Ferrytoll and crossing the Forth are 537 buses per day. Frequencies modelled in the peak periods are: 26 per hour in the morning, and 25 per hour in the evening. The creation of a public transport only crossing is expected to increase bus numbers. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226955,"EventID":"S3W-20351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average time taken was to process an enhanced disclosure submitted in (a) October, (b) November and (c) December 2008.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average time taken was to process an enhanced disclosure submitted in (a) October, (b) November and (c) December 2008.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not separately recorded for enhanced disclosures. However, information about the average processing time for a standard or enhanced disclosure issued during each month can be provided. The average turnaround time for standard and enhanced certificates issued in October, November and December 2008 was 14.2 days, 17 days and 18.8 days respectively. Disclosure Scotland has a service level agreement to issue 90% of all applications where no further enquiries are needed within 14 calendar days. In October last year, a major IT change to implement a disaster recovery solution was made to the workflow system that supports the work of Disclosure Scotland. The change caused the system performance of the automated work steps to slow down the progress of cases from one step of the process to the next, resulting in bottlenecks and backlogs, and worsening turnaround times. We have taken action to address this matter and there has been gradual improvement in turnaround times to the extent that at week ending 8 February 2009 the average turnaround time for standard and enhanced certificates was 18.1 days. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Adam Ingram","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226956,"EventID":"S3W-20352","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications were made to Disclosure Scotland with regard to people employed as Father Christmas and his assistants prior to Christmas 2008.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications were made to Disclosure Scotland with regard to people employed as Father Christmas and his assistants prior to Christmas 2008.","AnswerText":"During the 2008 Christmas Season, Disclosure Scotland has been able to identify 17 applications for people being employed to represent Father Christmas and his assistants. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Adam Ingram","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226957,"EventID":"S3W-20353","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it issues guidance to local authorities regarding the temporary seasonal employment of persons whose work involves contact with children, such as people employed ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it issues guidance to local authorities regarding the temporary seasonal employment of persons whose work involves contact with children, such as people employed as Father Christmas and his assistants.","AnswerText":"Each year during November and December, Disclosure Scotland places guidance on its website to be used by all organisations employing people to represent Father Christmas and his assistants. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Adam Ingram","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226958,"EventID":"S3W-20354","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS hospitals are cleaned by a private contractor and which are cleaned by an in-house team.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS hospitals are cleaned by a private contractor and which are cleaned by an in-house team.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-17133 on 5 November 2008. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. All other NHS hospitals are cleaned by in-house teams. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226959,"EventID":"S3W-20355","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what basis it made its decision to phase out cleaning of NHS hospitals by private contractors.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what basis it made its decision to phase out cleaning of NHS hospitals by private contractors.","AnswerText":"The basis of the decision acknowledges the key role that cleaning and other services play in the delivery of clinical services. The Scottish Government therefore believes that NHS Scotland staff should be responsible for the direct delivery of these services thus removing or reducing scope for complexity at the interface between contractor and the NHS. It is clear that when cleaning services are provided by NHS staff, it is easier to manage them and they can be better integrated. That means better patient care, a more seamless joining up of services and the ability to vary such services within hospitals, particularly cleaning services, when required. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226960,"EventID":"S3W-20356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost will be to the NHS of phasing out private cleaning services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost will be to the NHS of phasing out private cleaning services.","AnswerText":"The basis of the decision was to ensure better patient care, a more seamless joining up of services and the ability to vary cleaning and other services within hospitals when required. Our health boards are responsible for demonstrating value for money through sharing best practice, benchmarking with others and delivering on performance targets. The main cost element in the provision of cleaning services is staff and for some time now the rates of pay and other terms and conditions whether provided in house are broadly comparable. I refer the member to answer to question S3W-16361 on 25 September 2008, for more detailed information. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. Cost has therefore not been a key driver behind this development. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226961,"EventID":"S3W-20357","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence there is that banning private companies from cleaning hospitals will lower the prevalence of hospital-acquired infections, given that cleaning services were","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence there is that banning private companies from cleaning hospitals will lower the prevalence of hospital-acquired infections, given that cleaning services were not contracted out at the Vale of Leven Hospital.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20355 on 5 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226962,"EventID":"S3W-20358","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what services are tendered out to private contractors by NHS hospitals and what plans there are to put additional services out to competitive tender.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what services are tendered out to private contractors by NHS hospitals and what plans there are to put additional services out to competitive tender.","AnswerText":"For information relating to outsourced cleaning and catering contracts, I refer the member to answers to questions S3W-17133 and S3W-17134 on 5 November 2008. Information on other contracted out services is not held centrally. NHS boards are responsible for the tendering of contracts for services and the information broken down by hospital can only be obtained at disproportionate cost. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226963,"EventID":"S3W-20359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS patients were treated via the private or independent sector in each year since 1999, also broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS patients were treated via the private or independent sector in each year since 1999, also broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The Information and Statistics Division of NHS National Services Scotland continues to work with the Scottish Government, NHS boards, and independent health care providers to improve the quality of this data, and ensure high levels of completion. It is intended that this information should be published on a regular basis, when the data is of sufficient quality and completeness. The apparent increase in independent sector activity in some health boards for the year ending 31 December 2007 can be attributed to (a) improvement in the collection of these data in recent months, particularly at independent locations other than private hospitals (e.g. private nursing homes; hospices; homes run by local authorities or charities), and (b) the opening of the Scottish Regional Treatment Centre at Stracathro Hospital in 2006. However, as submission levels are believed to vary by location and over time, the figures should be considered of limited use and should be interpreted with caution. The following table shows available information for in-patient / day case activity that has been submitted for NHS patients treated by independent healthcare providers in Scotland. NHSScotland In-Patient and Day Case Episodes - Numbers of Records that have been Submitted for Private Health Care1 in Scotland; by NHS Board of Residence; Years Ending 31 December2 | | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | | Scotland | 1,929 | 1,700 | 2,036 | 1,867 | 2,285 | 2,075 | 2,710 | 3,193 | 3,994 | | NHS Board area of residence | | | | | | | | | | | Ayrshire and Arran | 200 | 44 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226964,"EventID":"S3W-20360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the (a) size of population, (b) number of staff employed and (c) ratio of local authority employees to head of population in each local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the (a) size of population, (b) number of staff employed and (c) ratio of local authority employees to head of population in each local authority.","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out in the following table. Part (a) shows the latest estimate of working age population (males aged 16 to 64 and females aged 16 to 59) by local authority. Part (b) shows the latest statistics on the number of staff employed by each local authority. This includes both full-time and part-time staff. Care should be taken when comparing local authority staff levels to the working age population as some members of local authority staff may work beyond standard working age. Table 1: Working Age Population, Local Authority Staff and Ratio of Staff to Working Age Population by Local Authority | Local Authority | (a) Size of Working Age Population (2007) | (b) Staff Employed Local Authority (Head Count) 2008 (Q3) | (c) Ratio of Staff to Working Age Population | | Aberdeen City | 138,793 | 11,492 | 1 in 12 | | Aberdeenshire | 148,042 | 13,831 | 1 in 11 | | Angus | 64,938 | 5,765 | 1 in 11 | | Argyll and Bute | 54,002 | 5,271 | 1 in 10 | | Clackmannanshire | 31,176 | 2,869 | 1 in 11 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 86,138 | 8,214 | 1 in 10 | | Dundee City | 88,929 | 8,267 | 1 in 11 | | East Ayrshire | 73,746 | 6,789 | 1 in 11 | | East Dunbartonshire | 63,129 | 4,935 | 1 in 13 | | East Lothian | 56,129 | 4,902 | 1 in 11 | | East Renfrewshire | 53,078 | 4,796 | 1 in 11 | | Edinburgh, City of | NHS Borders has made arrangements for people to receive the free NHS eye examination conveniently at ophthalmic practices within their area, including at Duns, Galashiels, Hawick, Kelso, Melrose, Peebles and Selkirk. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226966,"EventID":"S3W-20362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that people in the Scottish Borders are able to receive essential health and other services regardless of cross-border differences in le","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that people in the Scottish Borders are able to receive essential health and other services regardless of cross-border differences in legislation or service provision.","AnswerText":"The duty of the Scottish Government is to provide policies, frameworks and resources to NHS boards in order that they can deliver high quality, safe and sustainable services that meet the needs of their local population. Within this context, the actual provision of local healthcare services is normally the responsibility of local health boards, taking into account national guidance, local service needs and priorities for investment. NHS Borders has advised me that it has close ties with NHS services across the border into Northumbria and Cumbria. It continues to foster strategic alliances with these partners given the two-way flow of patients, and the need to secure access to services for patients close to the border and ensure seamless care. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226967,"EventID":"S3W-20363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond to the recommendations of Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland (HMICS) on the roles and responsibilities of police forces as set o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond to the recommendations of Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland (HMICS) on the roles and responsibilities of police forces as set out in HMICS’s Independent review of policing in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I am grateful to Her Majesty''s Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland (HMICS) for the Independent Review of Policing in Scotland report. The issues it raises are challenging and complex. The Scottish Government will work closely with key partners and stakeholders to consider thoroughly the challenges identified before formulating a way forward. I expect to be in a position to respond to the issues raised in the report by early summer. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226968,"EventID":"S3W-20364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs ministers in relation to (a) changes to the Forestry Act 1967 and its operation","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs ministers in relation to (a) changes to the Forestry Act 1967 and its operation in Scotland and (b) proposals in the Climate Change (Scotland) Bill regarding the Forestry Commissioners.","AnswerText":"There have been no recent discussions between the Scottish Government and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs ministers on these issues. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226969,"EventID":"S3W-20365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of food served on its premises is sourced in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of food served on its premises is sourced in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government''s catering provision seeks to maximise the use of local, seasonable produce whenever possible. Depending on the season, around 75% of all perishable produce is sourced in Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226970,"EventID":"S3W-20366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what percentage of food served in the Scottish Parliament is sourced in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what percentage of food served in the Scottish Parliament is sourced in Scotland.","AnswerText":" The SPCB is committed to increasing the amount of Scottish produce used within the Scottish Parliament and we are currently working with our catering partner to achieve this through the provision of fresh and seasonal food items. It is not possible to give an accurate total percentage figure of Scottish sourced food served in the Scottish Parliament, as figures will change for some food types due to availability dictated by seasons, stock levels and price. All chicken, pork, milk, cream and bread products used are sourced in Scotland. In addition, when in season, we use vegetables grown in Scotland and endeavour to source Scottish produced foods, such as beef, lamb, fish and fruit when stocks and prices allow. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Johnstone","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226971,"EventID":"S3W-20367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its assessment is of Operation Cougar in tackling gang culture in Manchester, as reported by the Home Office on 29 January 2009.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its assessment is of Operation Cougar in tackling gang culture in Manchester, as reported by the Home Office on 29 January 2009.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government welcomes the efforts taken by others to tackle gang violence and is interested in any initiative that has a positive impact. We are therefore looking carefully at Operation Cougar and will consider what action, if any, could be replicated in Scotland. In the meantime, we are continuing to take direct and innovative action to tackle this problem. The next phase of the Violence Reduction Unit''s anti-violence campaign in March will see the police across Scotland delivering intelligence-led coordinated action on gangs, and the groundbreaking Community Initiative to Reduce Violence (CIRV) project currently being delivered in Glasgow, for which we are providing £1.6 million funding, is providing co-ordinated and intensive services to over 700 gang members to encourage and support them change their lives. ","AnswerDate":"2008-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226972,"EventID":"S3W-20368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the success of Operation Cougar in tackling gang culture in Manchester, as reported by the Home Office on 29 January 2009, what aspects of this initiative th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the success of Operation Cougar in tackling gang culture in Manchester, as reported by the Home Office on 29 January 2009, what aspects of this initiative the Scottish Government considers could be replicated in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20367 on 18 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226973,"EventID":"S3W-20369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the success of Operation Cougar in tackling gang culture in Manchester, as reported by the Home Office on 29 January 2009, whether it considers that the use ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the success of Operation Cougar in tackling gang culture in Manchester, as reported by the Home Office on 29 January 2009, whether it considers that the use of police spotters to quickly identify mounting tensions and who can bring in additional officers to respond is an approach that could be adopted in tackling gang culture in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20367 on 18 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226974,"EventID":"S3W-20370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the success of Operation Cougar in tackling gang culture in Manchester, as reported by the Home Office on 29 January 2009, whether it is aware of any Scottis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the success of Operation Cougar in tackling gang culture in Manchester, as reported by the Home Office on 29 January 2009, whether it is aware of any Scottish police forces that deploy spotters to tackle gang culture.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20367 on 18 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226975,"EventID":"S3W-20371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the success of Operation Cougar in tackling gang culture in Manchester, as reported by the Home Office on 29 January 2009 and during which people wanting to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the success of Operation Cougar in tackling gang culture in Manchester, as reported by the Home Office on 29 January 2009 and during which people wanting to leave gangs were provided with support from a range of partners to do so, whether similar support is offered in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20367 on 18 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226976,"EventID":"S3W-20372","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the publication of Gangs: You and Your Child by the Home Office in September 2008, whether the Scottish Government plans to produce a similar publication.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the publication of Gangs: You and Your Child by the Home Office in September 2008, whether the Scottish Government plans to produce a similar publication.","AnswerText":"As part of the CIRV (Community Initiative to Reduce Violence) project “ our groundbreaking anti-gangs initiative that is working with over 700 young men in Glasgow “ a range of materials are being produced for parents which will help them support their child leaving the gang and prevent any other children joining a gang. This includes a document similar to Gangs: You and Your Child. In addition, we are currently considering what further support we can offer parents and carers to prevent their child joining a gang or carrying a knife and are working closely with the Violence Reduction Unit and other partners to take forward this important issue. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226977,"EventID":"S3W-20373","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to provide advice to parents and carers on preventing children in their care from becoming involved in gangs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to provide advice to parents and carers on preventing children in their care from becoming involved in gangs.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20288 on 23 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226978,"EventID":"S3W-20374","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to provide advice to parents and carers and information on who to contact for help and support if they suspect that a child in their care may be ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to provide advice to parents and carers and information on who to contact for help and support if they suspect that a child in their care may be involved with gangs.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20288 on 23 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226979,"EventID":"S3W-20375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to apply sanctions to companies that operate private parking facilities at hospitals without taking account of the reduction to the standard rate of VAT ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to apply sanctions to companies that operate private parking facilities at hospitals without taking account of the reduction to the standard rate of VAT announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 24 November 2008.","AnswerText":"It is understood that there are three such parking facilities, as noted below: Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh - officials in NHS Lothian are in discussion with their PFI contractor about how the reduction to the standard rate of VAT can be implemented; Glasgow Royal Infirmary “ officials in NHS Greater Glasgow are in discussion with their PFI contractor about how the reduction to the standard rate of VAT can be implemented, and Ninewells Hospital, Dundee “ as the car parking charge is rounded to the nearest 10p, the reduction to the standard rate of VAT did not change the level of car parking charge. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226980,"EventID":"S3W-20376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the ongoing revenue and maintenance costs will be of the existing Forth Road Bridge following the opening of the proposed Forth Replacement Crossing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the ongoing revenue and maintenance costs will be of the existing Forth Road Bridge following the opening of the proposed Forth Replacement Crossing.","AnswerText":"Maintenance of the existing Forth Road Bridge will remain a matter for the Forth Estuary Transport Authority (FETA). The Scottish Government hold regular discussions with FETA regarding their capital programme and the costs associated with this. We anticipate that removing the weight of traffic loading from the existing bridge will obviate the need for much of the traffic related repair, maintenance work and refurbishment work required. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226981,"EventID":"S3W-20377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to their eligibility for social housing, what action it takes to ensure that veterans have a local connection in a location other than the district where the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to their eligibility for social housing, what action it takes to ensure that veterans have a local connection in a location other than the district where they have most recently been living or working.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20378 on 9 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226982,"EventID":"S3W-20378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to ensure in legislation that, in relation to eligibility for social housing, someone serving in the armed forces will be able to establish a local connectio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to ensure in legislation that, in relation to eligibility for social housing, someone serving in the armed forces will be able to establish a local connection through residence of choice or employment in the same way as a civilian.","AnswerText":"Armed forces personnel and veterans already have the same rights as civilians in relation to the eligibility to social housing in Scotland. Social landlords are required by the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 to admit anyone aged 16 or over to their housing list and in allocating their houses take no account of an applicant''s length of residence in the area or whether they are resident in the area in a number of listed circumstances. Local connection is not a statutory criteria in relation to eligibility to social housing and guidance on the 2001 act makes clear that applicants for housing should not be debarred because they have no local connection with an area, although local connection might be a factor in determining priority. However, Scottish homelessness legislation allows local connection to be taken into account in determining which local authority has a duty towards a homeless household. A local connection is formed through residence, employment, family associations or because of special circumstances. However, currently the legislation states that a local connection is not formed through residence or employment in the armed forces. The Scottish Government set out last year that it would consider amending these provisions so that employment/residence in the armed forces would be treated in the same way as civilian employment/residence for this purpose, removing any doubt as to whether service leavers can apply as homeless in the area in which they have served. A commitment was made to consult with representatives from the service community and local authorities, recognising the particular issues faced by those local authorities hosting significant numbers of service personnel in large bases. This process of consultation is underway. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226983,"EventID":"S3W-20379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities are prevented from assisting businesses by reducing or freezing the rent of local authority owned industrial units under section 74 of the Local","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities are prevented from assisting businesses by reducing or freezing the rent of local authority owned industrial units under section 74 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1974.","AnswerText":"Under section 74 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, local authorities may not dispose of land (including the rental interest in that land) at less than the best consideration that can reasonably be obtained without seeking the consent of the Scottish ministers. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226984,"EventID":"S3W-20380","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish ministers would need to approve a local authority decision to freeze or reduce the rent of local authority owned industrial units to assist small busines","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish ministers would need to approve a local authority decision to freeze or reduce the rent of local authority owned industrial units to assist small businesses.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20379 on 5 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226985,"EventID":"S3W-20381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to improve funding mechanisms for colleges.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to improve funding mechanisms for colleges.","AnswerText":"The mechanism used to distribute funds to Scotland''s colleges is a matter for the Scottish Funding Council. I have asked its chief executive to write to the member. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226986,"EventID":"S3W-20382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made towards setting up an independent body to represent the parents of school pupils.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made towards setting up an independent body to represent the parents of school pupils.","AnswerText":"In October 2008 we commissioned a survey of parent council views on this issue. I expect to have the benefit of the results by Easter. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226987,"EventID":"S3W-20383","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning has met representatives of the Scottish Parent Teacher Council and Scottish Parent Councils Associatio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning has met representatives of the Scottish Parent Teacher Council and Scottish Parent Councils Association in the last twelve months.","AnswerText":"I have not met formally with either organisation in the past year, although I regularly engage with representatives of individual parent councils and parent teacher associations during the course of visits to schools. The Minister for Children and Early Years attended the Scottish Parent Teacher Council''s 60th anniversary Conference in November 2008. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226988,"EventID":"S3W-20384","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that the 2014 Commonwealth Games contribute to its ambition for Scotland to be a Fair Trade nation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that the 2014 Commonwealth Games contribute to its ambition for Scotland to be a Fair Trade nation.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to promoting fair trade and Scotland''s Fair Trade Nation campaign not only within Scotland but also abroad. Glasgow City Council has achieved Fair Trade City status and the Scottish Government, along with our partners, including Glasgow City Council, is alert to the opportunities to encourage Fair Trade around the 2014 Commonwealth Games. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226989,"EventID":"S3W-20385","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18191 by Linda Fabiani on 9 December 2008, what recommendations it has received from the Secretary of State for International Devel","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18191 by Linda Fabiani on 9 December 2008, what recommendations it has received from the Secretary of State for International Development, the Secretary of State for Scotland, the Minister for Europe at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the European Commission Office in Edinburgh on the matter of public procurement rules and options for fair trade purchasing.","AnswerText":"The Secretary of State for International Development replied on 22 January. In his reply, the Secretary of State comments that the public procurement process should encourage mainstreaming of fair and ethical trade standards but recognises that this must be carried out in accordance with EU public procurement directives. The Minister of Europe responded on 12 February in similar terms and confirmed agreement with the response provided by the Secretary of State for International Development. I await replies from the Secretary of State for Scotland and the European Commission Office in Edinburgh to the letters of 8 December 2008 on this issue. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226990,"EventID":"S3W-20386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the fruit provided under the Free Fruit in Schools initiative is (a) grown in Scotland and (b) fairtrade certified.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the fruit provided under the Free Fruit in Schools initiative is (a) grown in Scotland and (b) fairtrade certified.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. However, under the Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act 2007, local authorities have a duty to have regard to guidance issued by Scottish Ministers on the application of the principles of sustainable development when providing food or drink or catering services in schools. The existing guidance, Integrating sustainable development into procurement of food and catering services, is available on the Scottish Government website at: www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/Procurement/PublicProcurement/ProcurementPolicy/coporate-responsibility/Integrationofsusdevinfood. The guidance contains advice on various sustainable development issues, including fairtrade and local sourcing, and how to pursue these various issues whilst staying within EU procurement law. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Adam Ingram","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226991,"EventID":"S3W-20387","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many specialists in pain management are currently employed in the NHS, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many specialists in pain management are currently employed in the NHS, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not centrally available. Information Services Division (ISD) Scotland hold data on NHS workforce, many of whom deal with pain management as part of their role either as a matter of routine or on a specialised basis. Staff in many specialties including anaesthesia, medicine and even psychology will contribute to pain management, but the detail of which individuals do this work is not collected. ISD data on the overall NHS workforce can be found at http://www.isdscotland.org/isd/5247.html. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226992,"EventID":"S3W-20388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many psychologists work in pain clinics, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many psychologists work in pain clinics, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available broken down to specialty clinic. However, Information Services Division (ISD) Scotland publish data on Clinical and other Applied Psychologists (whole-time equivalent) employed in psychology services in NHSScotland by area of work (see following link - table 2a). http://www.isdscotland.org/isd/5381.html. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226993,"EventID":"S3W-20389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to recruit additional psychologists to work in pain clinics, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to recruit additional psychologists to work in pain clinics, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not centrally available. The planning of the workforce at this level of detail is primarily a matter for individual NHS boards. It is for NHS boards to determine levels of service provision based on local needs. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226994,"EventID":"S3W-20390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is for patients referred to pain clinics by general practitioners, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is for patients referred to pain clinics by general practitioners, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"Most pain clinics provide services to patients in an outpatient setting. Information about outpatient waiting times is collected centrally at speciality level only and does not differentiate between different types of clinics within the specialty. Consequently, the information requested is not available centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226995,"EventID":"S3W-20391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is for patients referred to pain clinics by consultants and specialists, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is for patients referred to pain clinics by consultants and specialists, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20390 on 5 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226996,"EventID":"S3W-20392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pain clinics there are, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pain clinics there are, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The information on pain clinics, which comes from NHS boards, is as follows: NHS Ayrshire and Arran holds four clinics and three treatment sessions per week for pain management. NHS Borders holds one pain clinic for new referrals three times per week. NHS Dumfries and Galloway routinely has two pain clinics per week with regular additional clinics. NHS Fife holds five hospital-based clinics per week and three primary care-based sessions per week in West Fife. NHS Forth Valley runs one multi-professional clinic over two sites, providing a total of 17 medical sessions per month. NHS Grampian holds two pain clinics per week. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde holds 26 general out-patient pain clinics and one specialist clinic for spinal cord stimulation per week. The board also operates a chronic pain Managed Clinical Network (MCN), with Scottish Government pump-priming funding. NHS Highland holds three pain clinics per month. NHS Lanarkshire holds five consultant-led clinics, three nurse-led clinics and one GP-led clinic per week, as well as an intervention session enabling patients to go to theatre for intervention such as epidurals. NHS Lothian holds one clinic daily at the Western General Hospital; full-day clinic every two weeks from the Royal Infirmary, and a pain management programme undertaken over an 11 week period, with daily assessment appointments, at the Astley Ainslie Hospital. NHS Orkney holds one pain clinic as and when required. NHS Shetland holds two pain clinics per week. NHS Tayside holds three clinics at three different locations per week. NHS Western Isles holds one pain clinic as and when required. In addition, the Pain Association Scotland works with NHS Ayrshire and Arran, NHS Dumfries and Galloway, NHS Fife, NHS Forth Valley, NHS Grampian, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, NHS Highland, NHS Lanarkshire and NHS Tayside in the delivery of pain management services which help people living with chronic pain to manage their own condition. The association''s training courses in Shetland are delivered using telehealth approaches. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226997,"EventID":"S3W-20393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19571 by Richard Lochhead on 19 January 2009, what organisations are being consulted on the Report on the Implications of Castratio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19571 by Richard Lochhead on 19 January 2009, what organisations are being consulted on the Report on the Implications of Castration and Tail Docking for the Welfare of Lambs published by the Farm Animal Welfare Council in June 2008.","AnswerText":"Scottish Government officials have held discussions with the Scottish National Farmers'' Union, the Scottish Agricultural College and Quality Meat Scotland. Officials have also been informed of the views of Advocates for Animals. A full consultation will be undertaken if the government proposes amendments to legislation or statutory welfare codes. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226998,"EventID":"S3W-20394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will roll out data-enabled breath screening devices to all police forces and, if so, to what timescale.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will roll out data-enabled breath screening devices to all police forces and, if so, to what timescale.","AnswerText":"It is the responsibility of the Chief Constables to decide what technology to use for police operations. The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland is currently considering the introduction of data enabled breath screening devices as well as the IT and training issues associated with the use of the devices. A timetable for a decision has not yet been set. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":226999,"EventID":"S3W-20395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will make a decision on the roll-out of data-enabled breath screening devices to all police forces.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will make a decision on the roll-out of data-enabled breath screening devices to all police forces.","AnswerText":"It is the responsibility of the Chief Constables to decide what technology to use for police operations. The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland is currently considering the introduction of data enabled breath screening devices as well as the IT and training issues associated with the use of the devices. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227000,"EventID":"S3W-20396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much a single data-enabled breath screening device costs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much a single data-enabled breath screening device costs.","AnswerText":"The cost of a data enabled breath screening device is approximately £150. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227001,"EventID":"S3W-20397","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new technology it is considering for introduction to police forces.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new technology it is considering for introduction to police forces.","AnswerText":"The introduction of new technology to policing is primarily a matter for the police. We work closely with the Scottish police service, police boards and the Scottish Police Services Authority to support the introduction of technology that will improve policing. A variety of technologies is currently under consideration, including personal digital assistants, mobile fingerprint recognition devices and data enabled breath screening devices. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227002,"EventID":"S3W-20400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3743,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many individuals have been (a) charged with and (b) convicted of animal cruelty offences in each year since 1999, broken down by police force area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many individuals have been (a) charged with and (b) convicted of animal cruelty offences in each year since 1999, broken down by police force area.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table. Persons Proceeded Against, where the Offence Category Specifically Relates to Offences Involving Cruelty to Animals, 1999-2000 to 2006-07 | Police Force | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | | Central | | | | | | | | | | No charge proved | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | 2 | | Charge proved | 1 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | | Total | 1 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 3 | | Dumfries and Galloway | | | | | The recent Quality Improvement Scotland Standard on sexual health and young people - available online at http://www.nhshealthquality.org/nhsqis/files/sexualhealth_july2007.pdf - sets out a target to increase chlamydia testing in under 25s. This includes a specific target to increase the number of young men being offered a test. Every young person who visits a sexual health service is asked if they have put themselves at risk and, if so, offered a test. In addition, health boards are responsible for putting in place a range of measures which will reach young people in their local area and many are taking innovative approaches to reach young men, such as postal testing kits which can be given directly to young men or to a young woman to pass on to their partner. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227004,"EventID":"S3W-20403","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on recognising and promoting national awareness days.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on recognising and promoting national awareness days.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises and promotes national awareness days internally through communication with staff, and externally through statements of support from ministers. We currently consider which events to recognise and promote on a case-by-case basis. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227005,"EventID":"S3W-20404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has discussed changing the funding mechanism for flood management and alternative flood schemes with COSLA.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has discussed changing the funding mechanism for flood management and alternative flood schemes with COSLA.","AnswerText":"As announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth a review of the local government finance distribution methodology is being taken forward jointly with COSLA to ensure resources are distributed as fairly and equitably as possible. This will include a review of the former ring-fenced funding for flood prevention and coast protection which is now rolled-up as part of the local government finance settlement. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227006,"EventID":"S3W-20405","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funding was made available for a feasibility study of a Selkirk bypass between 1999 and 2008 and, if so, when this was authorised and by which minister.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funding was made available for a feasibility study of a Selkirk bypass between 1999 and 2008 and, if so, when this was authorised and by which minister.","AnswerText":"Funding was made available for the A7 Selkirk Bypass Feasibility Study in May 2006 by the then Minister for Transport. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227007,"EventID":"S3W-20406","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the design capacity of HMP Aberdeen is for (a) male and (b) female prisoners.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the design capacity of HMP Aberdeen is for (a) male and (b) female prisoners.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The current design capacity of HM Prison Aberdeen is 155. Both male and female prisoners can be held at the establishment. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227008,"EventID":"S3W-20407","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) male and (b) female prisoners are held at HMP Aberdeen.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) male and (b) female prisoners are held at HMP Aberdeen.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: As of 18 February 2009, there were 224 males held in HMP Aberdeen. There were no female prisoners. The male population was made up of 84 Remand and 140 Convicted prisoners. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227009,"EventID":"S3W-20408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the design capacity is of HMP Peterhead.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the design capacity is of HMP Peterhead.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The design capacity of the current prison at Peterhead is 306. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227010,"EventID":"S3W-20409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners are held at HMP Peterhead and how many of these are serious sex offenders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners are held at HMP Peterhead and how many of these are serious sex offenders.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: On 18 February 2009 the population of HMP Peterhead was 304, all of whom were sex offenders. There is no technical definition of serious sex offenders however, given that the sentence length imposed by the Court is likely to be commensurate with the gravity of the offence, the breakdown of sentence categories can be provided. The following table illustrates the sentence categories for the population of HMP Peterhead as of February 18 2009. Life Recalls are included in the Life sentence total (3). | Sentence Category (years) | Total | | 0 - 1 | 1 | | 1 - 2 | 5 | | 2 - 4 | 13 | | 4 - 10 | 176 | | 10 + | 41 | | Life | 58 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227011,"EventID":"S3W-20410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) male and (b) female prisoners were held at HMP Aberdeen in August 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) male and (b) female prisoners were held at HMP Aberdeen in August 2007.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: There were no females prisoners held in HMP Aberdeen during August 2007. There were an average of 92 Adult Male Remand, 15 Young Adult Male Remand, 130 Adult Male Convicted and three Young Adult Male Convicted prisoners held during that month. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227012,"EventID":"S3W-20411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners were held at HMP Peterhead in August 2007 and how many of these were serious sex offenders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners were held at HMP Peterhead in August 2007 and how many of these were serious sex offenders.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: On 1 August 2007 the population of HMP Peterhead was 306, all of whom were sex offenders. There is no technical definition of serious sex offenders however, given that the sentence length imposed by the Court is likely to be commensurate with the gravity of the offence, the breakdown of sentence categories can be provided. The following table illustrates the sentence categories for the population of HMP Peterhead as of 1 August 2007. Life Recalls are included in the Life sentence total (5). | Sentence Category (Years) | Total | | 0 - 1 | 3 | | 1 - 2 | 2 | | 2 - 4 | 18 | | 4 - 10 | 165 | | 10 + | 42 | | Life | 76 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227013,"EventID":"S3W-20412","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the design capacity is of the proposed new prison at Peterhead for (a) male and (b) female prisoners.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the design capacity is of the proposed new prison at Peterhead for (a) male and (b) female prisoners.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: HMP Grampian will provide around 500 prisoner places (roughly the current combined capacity of HMP Aberdeen and HMP Peterhead), supporting the demand for places within the Northern Community Justice Authority (CJA), excluding those accommodated in HMP Inverness. SPS proposes to work closely with the Northern CJA to create a community facing prison which supports this objective. The accommodation will be flexible by design but precise numbers of available spaces for male and female prisoners have still to be decided. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227014,"EventID":"S3W-20413","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff are employed at HMP Aberdeen.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff are employed at HMP Aberdeen.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The number of staff employed at HMP Aberdeen as at 3 February 2009 is 120.05 full-time equivalent. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227015,"EventID":"S3W-20414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff are employed at HMP Peterhead.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff are employed at HMP Peterhead.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The number of staff employed at HMP Peterhead as at 3 February 2009 is 174.60 full-time equivalent. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227016,"EventID":"S3W-20415","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff will be required to staff fully the proposed new prison in Peterhead.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff will be required to staff fully the proposed new prison in Peterhead.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: There is no information available at this time on staffing arrangements for the proposed HMP Grampian. This will depend on the eventual design of the prison and negotiations with the SPS trade unions. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227017,"EventID":"S3W-20416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional tourism revenue was achieved in (a) 2006, (b) 2007 and (c) 2008 as part of reaching the target of a 50% increase in tourism revenues by 2015.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional tourism revenue was achieved in (a) 2006, (b) 2007 and (c) 2008 as part of reaching the target of a 50% increase in tourism revenues by 2015.","AnswerText":"Data from the Office of National Statistics records that tourism revenue (expenditure) in Scotland was (a) £4.159 billion in 2006 and (b) £4.203 billion in 2007. Data for 2008 is not yet available. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227018,"EventID":"S3W-20417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its target is for additional tourism revenue for each of the next three years as part of reaching the target of a 50% increase in tourism revenues by 2015.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its target is for additional tourism revenue for each of the next three years as part of reaching the target of a 50% increase in tourism revenues by 2015.","AnswerText":"The shared ambition with the tourism industry to increase tourism revenues by 50% by 2015 has not been broken down on a year-by-year basis so there are no specific targets for each of the next three years. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227019,"EventID":"S3W-20418","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its target for tourism revenue in 2009 is (a) as part of reaching the target of a 50% increase in tourism revenues by 2015 and (b) directly as a result of Homecoming","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its target for tourism revenue in 2009 is (a) as part of reaching the target of a 50% increase in tourism revenues by 2015 and (b) directly as a result of Homecoming Scotland 2009.","AnswerText":"The shared ambition with the tourism industry to increase tourism revenues by 50% by 2015 has not been broken down on a year-by-year basis so there is no specific target for 2009. For Homecoming, the target in 2009 is to achieve an 8:1 return on the core £5 million funding (i.e. £40 million tourism revenue). ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227020,"EventID":"S3W-20419","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value was of the European Regional Development Fund grant awarded to VisitScotland to support the promotion of Homecoming Scotland 2009 for the (a) lowlands and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value was of the European Regional Development Fund grant awarded to VisitScotland to support the promotion of Homecoming Scotland 2009 for the (a) lowlands and (b) Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"The value of European Regional Development Fund grants awarded to VisitScotland to support Homecoming promotion and events are (a) for the Lowlands and Uplands, £1,334,627 (for a project submitted jointly by VisitScotland, EventScotland and Angus Council) and (b) for the Highlands and Islands, £1,487,620 (for a project submitted jointly by VisitScotland and EventScotland). ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227021,"EventID":"S3W-20420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on the city centre estate of the New Campus Glasgow project since 2000, also broken down into budget headings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on the city centre estate of the New Campus Glasgow project since 2000, also broken down into budget headings.","AnswerText":"The funding of the New Campus Glasgow project is a matter for the Scottish Funding Council and the colleges concerned. I have asked the Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council to write to the Member. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227022,"EventID":"S3W-20421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what timescale that ministers have set for completion of the New Campus Glasgow project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what timescale that ministers have set for completion of the New Campus Glasgow project.","AnswerText":"The timescale for the project is a matter for the Scottish Funding Council and the colleges concerned. I have asked the Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council to write to the Member. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227023,"EventID":"S3W-20422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when ministers last met the Scottish Funding Council to discuss the New Campus Glasgow project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when ministers last met the Scottish Funding Council to discuss the New Campus Glasgow project.","AnswerText":"Ministers met senior officials of the Scottish Funding Council on 10 February 2009 to discuss the New Campus Glasgow project. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227024,"EventID":"S3W-20423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what allocation has been made by the Scottish Funding Council for the development of the New Campus Glasgow project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what allocation has been made by the Scottish Funding Council for the development of the New Campus Glasgow project.","AnswerText":"The funding of the New Campus Glasgow project is a matter for the Scottish Funding Council and the colleges concerned. I have asked the Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council to write to the Member. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227025,"EventID":"S3W-20424","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what secondary legislation it (a) has implemented and (b) plans to implement under the provisions of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what secondary legislation it (a) has implemented and (b) plans to implement under the provisions of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.","AnswerText":"The Prohibited Procedures on Protected Animals (Exemptions)(Scotland) Regulations 2007 were brought into force in April 2007 and the Prohibited Procedures on Protected Animals (Exemptions)(Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2009 were approved by the Scottish Parliament on 4 February 2009. We plan to introduce secondary legislation to require those who deal in puppies and kittens to do so only under a local authority licence. We are also considering introducing a licensing scheme for animal sanctuaries and livery yards and to replace the Pet Animals Act 1951 with new regulations which will update and strengthen the licensing requirement for pet shops. Official guidance on the control of ragwort was issued in June 2008 and statutory welfare codes issued under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 on the care of horses, dogs and cats are being prepared. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227026,"EventID":"S3W-20425","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the UK Government’s decision to pilot a scheme allowing patients with long-term conditions to access direct payments to purchase their own medical and care s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the UK Government’s decision to pilot a scheme allowing patients with long-term conditions to access direct payments to purchase their own medical and care services, whether the Scottish Government will consider launching a similar pilot and, if not, what its reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to increasing the uptake of self-directed support (SDS) as a way of giving those receiving social care choice, flexibility and control over the services they receive. We are funding three test sites (Dumfries and Galloway, Glasgow and Highland Councils) to consider three specific interventions (bridging finance, leadership and training, and cutting red tape). Legislation already allows the inclusion of health money in a SDS package in Scotland. This enables long-term conditions to be managed holistically. Evidence suggests that there can be distinct advantages for service users receiving care in this way. The personalisation of health care is central to our approach to enabling people to live well with long-term conditions. Aside from funding work with NHS Lothian to consider how health money can be used more routinely in SDS packages, we will of course be interested in the outcomes from the UK Government pilots. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227027,"EventID":"S3W-20426","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many inspections have been carried out by the Care Environment Inspectorate since November 2008; where they have been carried out, and what conclusions have been reac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many inspections have been carried out by the Care Environment Inspectorate since November 2008; where they have been carried out, and what conclusions have been reached.","AnswerText":"The NHS Care Environment Inspectorate will provide robust, external inspection of NHS facilities, including unannounced visits. This is intended to enhance safety, assurance and public confidence. Following a period of consultation which closed on 12 December 2008, the NHS Care Environment Inspectorate is now being established with the intent that it will be operational from April 2009. Accordingly, there have been no inspections since November 2008. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227028,"EventID":"S3W-20427","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of its press release of 14 October 2008, how many senior charge nurses are operating within the senior charge nurse framework.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of its press release of 14 October 2008, how many senior charge nurses are operating within the senior charge nurse framework.","AnswerText":"All senior charge nurses (SCN) in hospitals across NHS Scotland will be working within the context of this revised role by the end of 2010. At present, around 700 SCNs have either completed or are undertaking training, which includes one to one facilitation, taught training programmes and action learning. Whilst this process is at an early stage, we are putting in place arrangements to monitor NHS board progress. The transition of SCNs to the revised role is being led by NHS board nurse Directors, supported by a national steering group. The success of embedding and sustaining the role change depends on a range of factors and all NHS boards have produced action plans to work towards achieving this goal. Work currently underway includes analysis of training needs, development and implementation of training programmes, and development of roll-out programmes. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227029,"EventID":"S3W-20428","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many senior staff charge nurses it expects to be operating within the senior charge nurse framework in (a) six months’, (b) 12 months’ and (c) 18 months’ time.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many senior staff charge nurses it expects to be operating within the senior charge nurse framework in (a) six months’, (b) 12 months’ and (c) 18 months’ time.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20427 on 24 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227030,"EventID":"S3W-20429","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of meningitis B there have been in the last three months for which information is available and how many there were over the same period in 2008.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of meningitis B there have been in the last three months for which information is available and how many there were over the same period in 2008.","AnswerText":" From 1 October 2008 to 31 December 2008 (the last three full months for which data is available), Health Protection Scotland is provisionally aware of 14 cases of Meningitis B infection. This compares to 16 cases of meningitis B from 1 October 2007 to 31 December 2007. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227031,"EventID":"S3W-20430","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of meningitis B there have been in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of meningitis B there have been in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The number of meningitis B cases reported to Health Protection Scotland (HPS) each year from 1999 is set out in the following table. Figures reflect the number of reported cases of meningitis B to the end of December each year. Number of Meningitis B cases reported to HPS | Year | | | 1999 | 105 | | 2000 | 117 | | 2001 | 106 | | 2002 | 62 | | 2003 | 86 | | 2004 | 68 | | 2005 | 66 | | 2006 | 63 | | 2007 | 73 | | 2008* | 57 | Note: *2008 data is still provisional and may be subject to change. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227032,"EventID":"S3W-20431","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people received an education maintenance allowance of (a) £10 and (b) £20 in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people received an education maintenance allowance of (a) £10 and (b) £20 in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The following table presents the number of school pupils and further education college students who received education maintenance allowance (EMA) support in the £10 and £20 categories in academic years 2005-06 to 2007-08. | Level of Payment | Academic Year | | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | | Number of Students | | £10 | 3,760 | 3,560 | 3,430 | | £20 | 3,600 | 3,925 | 3,965 | | Total | 7,360 | 7,485 | 7,395 | Notes: 1. Student numbers have been rounded up or down to the nearest five. 2. Numbers may not sum to totals as a result of this rounding. 3. Direct comparisons between the figures 2007-08 and those for previous academic years cannot be made due to an improvement to the method of collating college data. This removed 175 duplicate cases from the total number of students supported in the £10 and £20 categories in 2007-08. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227033,"EventID":"S3W-20432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether modern apprenticeships would continue to be paid at up to £55 per week if the Get Ready for Work programme is replaced by an Educational Maintenance Allowance of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether modern apprenticeships would continue to be paid at up to £55 per week if the Get Ready for Work programme is replaced by an Educational Maintenance Allowance of £30.","AnswerText":"The £55 per week training allowance, available to Get Ready for Work participants and non-employed Skillseekers, does not apply to the modern apprenticeship programme. The conclusions of the consultation will not therefore impact on the modern apprenticeship programme. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227034,"EventID":"S3W-20433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people received a Get Ready for Work payment in the last three years, broken down by payment amount.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people received a Get Ready for Work payment in the last three years, broken down by payment amount.","AnswerText":"This information is not captured centrally. The Scottish Government have however obtained the following from Skills Development Scotland on the programme costs and the number of individuals involved in the Get Ready for Work (GRfW) programme over the last three years. Young people on full time provision receive £55 per week and those on part time provision receive £45 per week, depending on hours of participation. Table 1 Get Ready for Work, Starts, Allowances and Spend by Financial Year | Year | No. of Starts | Allowance Costs GRfW £ Million | Allowance Costs L/Skills (F-T) £ Million | Allowance Costs L/Skills (P-T) £ Million | Total Allowance Costs £ Million | Total Spend Including Programme costs £ Million | | 2007-08 | 9,274 | 8.5 | 503,972 | 347,436 | 9.4 | 23.7 | | 2006-07 | 8,847 | 7.9 | 435,285 | 300,612 | 8.7 | 21.5 | | 2005-06 | 8,422 | 8.3 | 427,666 | 243,881 | 9.0 | 22.1 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227035,"EventID":"S3W-20434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20037 by Fiona Hyslop on 29 January 2009, how much would be saved by abolishing the £150 bonus payment for people in receipt of an ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20037 by Fiona Hyslop on 29 January 2009, how much would be saved by abolishing the £150 bonus payment for people in receipt of an Educational Maintenance Allowance of (a) £10 and (b) £20.","AnswerText":"Assuming that the amounts paid out in bonus payments to those in the £10 and £20 categories in future years would be the same as in 2007-08, we estimate that the resources released by removing the bonus payments for students supported in these categories would be £0.7 million and £0.8 million respectively. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227036,"EventID":"S3W-20435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many adult modern apprenticeship in tourism places were taken up in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many adult modern apprenticeship in tourism places were taken up in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Tourism is one pathway within the hospitality modern apprenticeship framework. The numbers of adults (aged 20 and above) starting the hospitality modern apprenticeship framework for the last five years are as follows: | 2004-05 | 1,234 | | 2005-06 | 1,079 | | 2006-07 | 851 | | 2007-08 | 735 | | 2008-09 (to end January 2009) | 0 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227037,"EventID":"S3W-20436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many adult modern apprenticeship in tourism places were completed in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many adult modern apprenticeship in tourism places were completed in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Tourism is one pathway within the Hospitality Modern Apprenticeship framework. The numbers of adults (aged 20 and above) completing the Hospitality Modern Apprenticeship framework for the last five years are as follows: | 2004-05 | 452 | | 2005-06 | 567 | | 2006-07 | 638 | | 2007-08 | 615 | | 2008-09 (to end January 2009) | 328 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227038,"EventID":"S3W-20437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many modern apprenticeship in tourism places were taken up in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many modern apprenticeship in tourism places were taken up in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Tourism is one pathway within the hospitality modern apprenticeship framework. The numbers starting the hospitality modern apprenticeship framework for the last five years are as follows: | 2004-05 | 1,670 | | 2005-06 | 1,416 | | 2006-07 | 1,096 | | 2007-08 | 1,015 | | 2008-09 (to end January 2009) | 271 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227039,"EventID":"S3W-20438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many modern apprenticeship in tourism places were completed in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many modern apprenticeship in tourism places were completed in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Tourism is one pathway within the Hospitality Modern Apprenticeship framework. The numbers completing the hospitality modern apprenticeship framework for the last five years are as follows: | 2004-05 | 562 | | 2005-06 | 729 | | 2006-07 | 804 | | 2007-08 | 805 | | 2008-09 (to end January 2009) | 457 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227040,"EventID":"S3W-20439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received from employers about adult modern apprenticeships in tourism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received from employers about adult modern apprenticeships in tourism.","AnswerText":"Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) are partly funded by UK Government and their primary role is to articulate employer skills needs through employer engagement and the production on Labour Market Intelligence. Our skills body, Skills Development Scotland, is working with SSCs (including People 1st who represent the hospitality and tourism sector), industry bodies and training providers to develop public skills interventions which better meet the needs of individuals and employers in Scotland. In response to the issues regarding qualifications highlighted in the Enterprise, Economy and Tourism Committee report, Growing Pains “ can we achieve a 50% growth in tourist revenue by 2015 the Scottish Government set up a short life Education and Training Tourism task group to establish sector needs and recommend a way forward. Membership is drawn from industry, training providers, national agencies and the Scottish Government. The task group will examine the issue of proliferation of qualifications, the purpose of hotel schools and will explain the role of public sector bodies in the education and training system. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227041,"EventID":"S3W-20440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on purchasing television advertising linked to the promotion of Homecoming Scotland 2009 in (a) Scotland, (b) the rest of the United Kingdom, (c) ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on purchasing television advertising linked to the promotion of Homecoming Scotland 2009 in (a) Scotland, (b) the rest of the United Kingdom, (c) the United States of America, (d) Canada, (e) Australia and (f) New Zealand.","AnswerText":"The Caledonia television advertisement forms part of a comprehensive marketing programme that is promoting Homecoming Scotland 2009. £112,061 has been spent purchasing television advertising to promote Homecoming in Scotland. Assessments show that 2.1 million people in Scotland saw the advertisement around St Andrew''s Day 2008 and 1.9 million people saw it around Burns Night 2009. £131,020 has been spent purchasing television advertising to promote Homecoming in the rest of the UK. 400,000 people in Northern Ireland saw the advertisement around Burns Night 2009. In March the advertisement will be seen by approximately six million people in England and one million in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Caledonia television advertisement also forms one element of the Homecoming marketing activity across the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand which has seen investment of £1.3 million over the past 18 months. The most significant media investment has been online which delivers far superior value in terms of reach, response and targeting than any other media platform. £56,206 has been spent purchasing television advertising to promote Homecoming in the US. Between 21 and 30 January seven million people in North America saw the advertisement and a version will play again in the US on the US public free-to-air channel PBS during Highland Heartbeat, a popular Scottish music entertainment programme. There are 350 PBS channels across the US, with audiences in the tens of millions anticipated. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227042,"EventID":"S3W-20441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the costs associated with the Caledonia advertisement linked to the promotion of Homecoming Scotland 2009, including production, participants’ fees ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the costs associated with the Caledonia advertisement linked to the promotion of Homecoming Scotland 2009, including production, participants’ fees and expenses and transmission, also showing from which budgets finance was drawn.","AnswerText":"The costs associated with the production of the Caledonia advertisement were as follows: Cost of production (including filming, production, director / producer fees): £233,450 Cost of edited version of advertisement for use on PBS: £10,000 Music usage costs (one year): £15,000 Participants'' fee: nil Participants'' expenses (accommodation / travel): £1,550 Transmission: £299,287. The costs were met from the VisitScotland grant-in-aid budget provided by the Scottish Government. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227043,"EventID":"S3W-20442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that enough has been spent on advertising the Year of Homecoming on television outwith Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that enough has been spent on advertising the Year of Homecoming on television outwith Scotland.","AnswerText":"Yes. The expenditure on advertising the Year of Homecoming on television outwith Scotland is ensuring the Homecoming message is reaching many millions of people in some of our key tourism markets. Television advertising forms part of a comprehensive marketing programme but the most effective media channel in terms of targeting genuine potential visitors has been shown to be online. This is where the vast majority of the investment is being made. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227044,"EventID":"S3W-20443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which projects contained in the Strategic Transport Projects Review are designated national developments in the National Planning Framework for Scotland 2 and for what re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which projects contained in the Strategic Transport Projects Review are designated national developments in the National Planning Framework for Scotland 2 and for what reasons they were given this designation.","AnswerText":"The two projects identified in the Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR) which are also designated as national developments in the Proposed National Planning Framework 2 are: The Forth Replacement Crossing and the West of Scotland Strategic Rail Enhancements. There are a number of STPR projects that that support other national developments in the Proposed National Planning Framework 2 (NPF2). These projects, along with the remaining projects identified as part of the STPR recommendations can be found in Report 4 on the Transport Scotland website http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/stpr. Details of the assessment of candidate national developments against the criteria which the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth announced to Parliament in his statement on 13 September 2007 can be found on the Government''s website http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/01/13143421/0. Statements of need in respect of each of the national developments are set out in the Annex to the Proposed NPF2 which is available from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (laying number, SG/2008/252). The STPR has been undertaken to identify priorities for Government spending on transport infrastructure over the next 20 years, whereas the Proposed NPF 2 is concerned with Scotland''s spatial development in general. While the focus of the two exercises is different, they are components of a single strategic agenda. \r\n ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227045,"EventID":"S3W-20444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which projects contained in the Strategic Transport Projects Review are not designated national developments in the National Planning Framework for Scotland 2 and for wha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which projects contained in the Strategic Transport Projects Review are not designated national developments in the National Planning Framework for Scotland 2 and for what reasons they were not given this designation.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20443 on 24 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227046,"EventID":"S3W-20445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects phase 2 of the Waverley station upgrade to begin.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects phase 2 of the Waverley station upgrade to begin.","AnswerText":"The Waverley Project Board (consisting of Network Rail, City of Edinburgh Council and Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothians) decided in August 2006 not to proceed with earlier proposals for Phase 2. This government is continuing to work with Network Rail to improve the passenger facilities and station infrastructure at Waverley Station. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227047,"EventID":"S3W-20446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the reputation of the National Conversation would be enhanced if the IP addresses of online contributors were routinely collected and compared f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the reputation of the National Conversation would be enhanced if the IP addresses of online contributors were routinely collected and compared for consistency with the stated location of such contributors.","AnswerText":"The general privacy statement on the Scottish Government''s main website, which includes the National Conversation pages, states that any analytical data collected will not be used to identify any user personally. This approach is consistent with conventions for such sites and with section 38(1) of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227048,"EventID":"S3W-20447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all written contributions to the National Conversation must carry a name and postal address to be regarded as valid.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all written contributions to the National Conversation must carry a name and postal address to be regarded as valid.","AnswerText":"No. There are a variety of ways to contribute to the National Conversation about Scotland''s future. Contributions made via the National Conversation website are considered valid if they are posted in accordance with the moderating criteria set out in answer to question S3W-11333 on 23 April 2008. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227049,"EventID":"S3W-20448","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total amount was of interest accrued by Scotland domiciled and resident students in student loan debt in each of the last five years, broken down by interest acc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total amount was of interest accrued by Scotland domiciled and resident students in student loan debt in each of the last five years, broken down by interest accrued (a) while studying and (b) following graduation.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the total amount of interest accrued by Scottish domiciled and resident students in student loan debt in each of the last five financial years broken down by interest accrued (a) while studying and (b) following graduation or withdrawal. | Financial Year | Interest added Following Graduation or Withdrawal (£ Million) | Interest Added whilst Studying (£ Millions) | Total Interest Added (£ Millions) | | 2003-04 | 9.70 | 14.01 | 23.70 | | 2004-05 | 13.34 | 15.87 | 29.21 | | 2005-06 | 20.39 | 15.98 | 36.37 | | 2006-07 | 27.95 | 13.55 | 41.50 | | 2007-08 | 25.51 | 17.73 | 43.24 | | Total | 96.88 | 77.14 | 174.03 | Source: Student Loans Company (SLC). Notes: Monetary amounts have been rounded to the nearest 10,000 and are quoted in millions. Scotland domiciled and resident is taken as those who took out loans which are owed back to Scotland. Interest accrued (a) while studying and (b) following graduation is interpreted as (a) before the Statutory Repayment Due Date (SRDD) and (b) after the SRDD. The SLC does not apply interest to the accounts of income contingent loan borrowers who have entered repayment until they have received notice of the amounts of repayments collected from Her Majesty''s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). For most cases this occurs within one year of the tax year that the repayments relate to, interest is then applied retrospectively to the accounts. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227050,"EventID":"S3W-20449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19678 by Kenny MacAskill on 22 January 2009, whether it considers it to be of concern that information on the number and type of of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19678 by Kenny MacAskill on 22 January 2009, whether it considers it to be of concern that information on the number and type of offences carried out by people on bail is not available.","AnswerText":"Information covering offences committed while the offender was on bail and other bail-related offences is available and published annually under the title Criminal Proceedings in Scottish Courts. This can be found on the Scottish Government website at the following address http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/06/02124526/24. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227051,"EventID":"S3W-20450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19678 by Kenny MacAskill on 22 January 2009, whether it considers that, in order to better address reoffending, it would be benefic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19678 by Kenny MacAskill on 22 January 2009, whether it considers that, in order to better address reoffending, it would be beneficial to know the type of offences being carried out by people on bail.","AnswerText":"Yes. That is why information covering offences committed by people on bail is collated and published annually under the title Criminal Proceedings in Scottish Courts. This can be found on the Scottish Government website at the following address: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/06/02124526/24. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227052,"EventID":"S3W-20451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19678 by Kenny MacAskill on 22 January 2009, whether it intends to collate further information on the number and type of offences c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19678 by Kenny MacAskill on 22 January 2009, whether it intends to collate further information on the number and type of offences carried out by people on bail.","AnswerText":"Information covering offences committed by people on bail and other bail-related offences is published annually under the title Criminal Proceedings in Scottish Courts. This can be found on the Scottish Government website at the following address: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/06/02124526/24. We have no plans to collate any further information. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227053,"EventID":"S3W-20452","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19678 by Kenny MacAskill on 22 January 2009, whether it is aware of any group of offenders that, while on bail, go on to reoffend a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19678 by Kenny MacAskill on 22 January 2009, whether it is aware of any group of offenders that, while on bail, go on to reoffend and, if so, what action it is taking to reduce such instances of reoffending.","AnswerText":"The police will take all necessary steps to prevent and deal with offending, including offending by people on bail. That is why our courts dealt with 29,000 offences committed while the offender was on bail and 7,500 other bail-related offences in 2006-07. Admitting a person to bail is a decision for the court. Since December 2007, the Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform)(Scotland) Act 2007 requires the court to state its reasons whenever it grants or refuses bail. Furthermore, where a person is accused of a violent or sexual offence or a drug trafficking offence and has a previous conviction for same, bail will be granted only if there are exceptional circumstances justifying bail. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227054,"EventID":"S3W-20453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what disposals were applied to people prosecuted under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 in the Grampian Police area in 2007-08.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what disposals were applied to people prosecuted under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 in the Grampian Police area in 2007-08.","AnswerText":"Court Proceedings data for 2007-08 is not yet available; it is due to be published in April 2009. The available information is given in the following table. The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 includes a range of offences including: illegal importation of drugs, production and manufacture or cultivation of drugs, supply or possession with intent to supply, possession of drugs and obstructing a constable in pursuance of his duty. Persons with a charge proved in Grampian police force area, where the main offence was under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, by disposal, 2006-07: | Disposal | Number | | Prison | 118 | | Young Offenders Institution | 5 | | Probation | 84 | | Community service order | 41 | | Restriction of liberty order | 1 | | Drug treatment and testing order | 2 | | Fine | 428 | | Caution or admonition | 94 | | Total | 773 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227055,"EventID":"S3W-20454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions were dealt with by a direct measure in the Grampian Police area in 2007-08, broken down by type of offence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions were dealt with by a direct measure in the Grampian Police area in 2007-08, broken down by type of offence.","AnswerText":"The period referred to largely pre-dates the introduction on 10 March 2008 of the enhanced range of direct measures provided for in the Criminal Proceedings etc (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007. Of the 45,218 charges reported to Procurators Fiscal by the Police or Specialist Reporting Agencies in the Grampian Police Area in 2007-08, 5,988 (13%) have been dealt with by means of a direct measure. For the purposes of compiling statistical data the term direct measures is normally used to refer to all disposals that do not involve either a decision by the Procurator Fiscal to take no action or a decision to initiate court proceedings. It therefore includes disposals such as referral to the Reporter to the Children''s Panel which involve referring the case to another competent authority, rather than direct action by the Procurator Fiscal. The following table provides a breakdown of the direct measures used in the 5,988 charges referred to above: | Direct Measure | Number of Charges | % of Total Charges Reported | | Road Traffic Fixed Penalty | 1,758 | 4% | | Warning | 1,669 | 4% | | Referred to Reporter to the Children''s Panel | 1,192 | 3% | | Fiscal Fine | 1,130 | 2% | | Diversion from Prosecution Schemes | 167 | <1% | | Combined Offer (Fiscal Fine + Compensation) (only available from 10 March 2008) | 72 | <1% | | Grand Total | 5,988 | 13% | There were 295 different charges where a direct measure was offered. The top 10 such charges (which account for 53% of the charges where a direct measure was used) are as follows: | Charge Description | Number of Charges | % of Total | | Breach of the Peace | 795 | 13% | | Assault | 459 | 8% | | Possession of controlled drug | 434 | 7% | | Vandalism | | Section of Act | Charge Description | Total Number of Charges | | S5(2) | Possession of controlled drug | 434 | | S23(4)(a) | Obstruct police | 4 | | S4(3)(b) | Concerned in the supplying of a controlled drug | 2 | | S5(3) | Possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply | 1 | | S4(2)(a) | Produce a controlled drug | 1 | | Grand Total | 442 | Notes: 1. The three charges involving supply of or possession with intent to supply a controlled drug “ Sections 4(3)(b) and 5(3) “ were dealt with by referral to the Reporter to the Children''s Panel. The charge involving production of a controlled drug involved a middle-aged man found to be growing two cannabis plants in his house for his personal use who accepted a fiscal fine of £300. 2. The information in this table has been extracted from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service''s Case Management Database. The database is a live, operational database used to manage the processing of 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 database will record details only of the amended charge. 3. The database is charge-based. The figures quoted therefore relate to the number of charges rather than the number of individuals charged or the number of incidents that gave rise to such charges. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank Mulholland","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227057,"EventID":"S3W-20456","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the age profile was of those against whom (a) charges were brought and (b) prosecution was made under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 in the Grampian Police area in 200","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the age profile was of those against whom (a) charges were brought and (b) prosecution was made under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 in the Grampian Police area in 2007-08.","AnswerText":"The total number of charges under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 reported to Procurators Fiscal in the Grampian Police Area in 2007-08, and the number of such charges where Court Proceedings were initiated, broken down by age profile of the accused, was as follows: | Age Profile | Total Number of Charges Reported | Total Number of Charges where Court Proceedings were Initiated | | under 16 | 11 | 1 | | 16-21 | 897 | 387 | | 22-40 | 2,929 | 1,608 | | 41-60 | 452 | 222 | | 60+ | 2 | 0 | | Grand Total | 4,291 | 2,218 | Notes: 1. One thousand, one hundred and thirty-four of the charges reported under the Misuse of Drugs Act were not proceeded with in court as separate charges but the accused was prosecuted for other charges, usually more appropriate drugs charges in which the substance of the original offence was still prosecuted before the court. 2. The information in these tables has been extracted from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service''s Case Management Database. The database is a live, operational database used to manage the processing of 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 database will record details only of the amended charge. 3. The database is charge-based. The figures quoted therefore relate to the number of charges rather than the number of individuals charged or the number of incidents that gave rise to such charges. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank Mulholland","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227058,"EventID":"S3W-20457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of all prosecutions under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 was dealt with by a direct measure in the Grampian Police area in 2007-08.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of all prosecutions under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 was dealt with by a direct measure in the Grampian Police area in 2007-08.","AnswerText":"The total number of charges under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 reported to procurators fiscal in the Grampian Police Area in 2007-8 was 4,291. Of these, 442 (or 10% of the total) were dealt with using direct measures. Notes: 1. The information in this answer has been extracted from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service''s Case Management Database. The database is a live, operational database used to manage the processing of 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 database will 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 number of individuals charged or the number of incidents that gave rise to such charges. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank Mulholland","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227059,"EventID":"S3W-20458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3815,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering allowing service personnel to establish a local connection to the location at which they are based in order to allow access to social housing an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering allowing service personnel to establish a local connection to the location at which they are based in order to allow access to social housing and, if so, what progress has been made in this regard.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20378 on 9 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Maxwell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227060,"EventID":"S3W-20459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":71,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the slowdown in house building will have on the house building plans associated with the Borders railway project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the slowdown in house building will have on the house building plans associated with the Borders railway project.","AnswerText":"The slow down in house building is having a short-term impact along the route of the Borders railway project, for example through the recent withdrawal of a developer from the housing project consortium at Shawfair in Midlothian. However, the Borders railway project has been appraised over a sixty year operational life, and it is anticipated that housing development will resume along the route in the medium-term, and indeed that the construction of the railway will contribute to this resumption. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227061,"EventID":"S3W-20460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":71,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to its announcement on 2 February 2009 that 16,000 green energy jobs could be created over the next decade, how the figure was calculated and how many green ener","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to its announcement on 2 February 2009 that 16,000 green energy jobs could be created over the next decade, how the figure was calculated and how many green energy jobs it expects to be created in 2008-09 and in each of the next four financial years.","AnswerText":"The estimate of 16,000 new green jobs in Scotland by 2020 is based on the UK Renewable Energy Strategy consultation document, which cited a figure of 160,000 new renewable energy jobs UK-wide by 2020. Estimates have not been undertaken on the number of green energy jobs that will be created annually. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227062,"EventID":"S3W-20461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent representations it has received anent the practical implementation of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 and the Mental Health (Care and Treatment","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent representations it has received anent the practical implementation of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 and the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government receives correspondence and calls from different sources from time to time on issues around the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2003 and the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003. We are not aware of any representations which cover both acts. A limited review of the Mental Health Act is in progress to consider its operation since implementation and advise on any changes, while recognising that its general powers and provisions continue to offer an appropriate framework for care and treatment. The findings will be reported in due course. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227063,"EventID":"S3W-20462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines or advice have been issued to the Law Society of Scotland anent the implementation of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 and the role of lawye","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines or advice have been issued to the Law Society of Scotland anent the implementation of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 and the role of lawyers in relation to its implementation since its coming into force.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has worked with stakeholders since the introduction of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 to ensure as far as possible that the legislation works as intended to protect the interests of adults with incapacity. Codes of Practice and guidance were developed with stakeholders, including the Law Society of Scotland. Revised versions were published in April 2007 following changes made in the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007. The publications are available on the Scottish Government website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/law/awi/010408awiwebpubs. There is no guidance specifically aimed at community health partnerships. NHS boards are supervisory bodies under part 4 of the act and the Code of Practice for Supervisory Bodies was published and distributed in July 2003. The Office of the Public Guardian is in regular contact with the Committee of Scottish Clearing Bankers. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227064,"EventID":"S3W-20463","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines or advice have been issued to community health partnerships anent the implementation of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 and their role in i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines or advice have been issued to community health partnerships anent the implementation of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 and their role in its implementation since its coming into force. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20462 on 26 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227065,"EventID":"S3W-20464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines or advice have been issued to NHS boards anent the implementation of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 and their role in its implementation s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines or advice have been issued to NHS boards anent the implementation of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 and their role in its implementation since its coming into force.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to answer to question S3W-20462 on 26 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227066,"EventID":"S3W-20465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines or advice has been issued to banks anent the implementation of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 and their role in its implementation since i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines or advice has been issued to banks anent the implementation of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 and their role in its implementation since its coming into force.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20462 on 26 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227067,"EventID":"S3W-20466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to modify the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 or the manner in which it is implemented.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to modify the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 or the manner in which it is implemented.","AnswerText":"The Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 is designed to protect all adults who lack the capacity to act or to make some or all decisions for themselves. Since its introduction, the provisions of the act have been kept under review to help ensure that the legislation works as intended. A two year project to monitor implementation of the act, funded by the Scottish Executive, resulted in a report in 2004, which clarified areas requiring legislative change to streamline and simplify procedures and improve access. A consultation exercise then took place on the proposed changes, and the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 contained a number of changes to the 2000 act. Codes of practice and guidance on the provisions of the act were published in 2007 and are available from the Scottish Government, or online at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/law/awi. There are no plans to make further changes to the legislation at present. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227068,"EventID":"S3W-20467","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many business start-ups there were in each year since 1997 and what information it has on such figures for the United Kingdom.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many business start-ups there were in each year since 1997 and what information it has on such figures for the United Kingdom.","AnswerText":"Data on the number of VAT registrations are released annually by the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR). These figures are used to monitor the number of business start-ups. The latest available data refers to all VAT registrations taking place in the UK in 2007. The following table shows the number of VAT registrations in Scotland and the UK as a whole from 1997 to 2007: | | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | | Scotland | 12,305 | 11,740 | 11,330 | 11,200 | 10,855 | 11,045 | | UK | 181,530 | 180,740 | 175,615 | 177,770 | 169,230 | 176,205 | | | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | | Scotland | 11,940 | 11,985 | 11,660 | 11,755 | 14,595 | | UK | 191,535 | 184,010 | 182,380 | 182,055 | 205,725 | Source: BERR. Please note that these figures do not account for all business activity as only companies with a turnover above the VAT threshold are required to register. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227069,"EventID":"S3W-20468","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the workforce was employed in the public sector in each year since 1997 and what information it has on such figures for the United Kingdom.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the workforce was employed in the public sector in each year since 1997 and what information it has on such figures for the United Kingdom.","AnswerText":"The official source for public sector employment statistics is the Quarterly Public Sector Employment series. Estimates for Scotland are published by the Scottish Government and UK estimates are published by the Office for National Statistics. Table 1 shows the proportion of the workforce employed in the public sector in Scotland and the UK from quarter 1 1999 to quarter 3 2008 (the latest data available). A consistent time series for Scotland and the UK is only available back to 1999. Table 1: Public Sector Employment as % of Total Employment, Scotland and UK, 1999-2008. Not Seasonally Adjusted (Head Count) | | Scotland | UK | | % | % | | 1999 Q1 | 23.1 | 19.3 | | 1999 Q2 | 23.1 | 19.2 | | 1999 Q3 | 22.8 | 19.0 | | 1999 Q4 | 23.1 | 19.3 | | 2000 Q1 | 23.2 | 19.3 | | 2000 Q2 | 22.7 | 19.2 | | 2000 Q3 | 22.5 | 19.1 | | 2000 Q4 | 22.5 | 19.3 | | 2001 Q1 | 22.7 | 19.4 | | 2001 Q2 | 22.7 | 19.4 | | 2001 Q3 | 22.7 | 19.2 | | 2001 Q4 | 23.1 | 19.6 | | 2002 Q1 | 23.2 | 19.7 | | Table 1 One-Year to Five-Year Survival Rate of Newly-Born Enterprises in Scotland by Year of Birth, 2002-06 | | Year of Birth | | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | | One-year | 93.8% | 93.2% | 94.2% | 93.4% | 96.5% | | Two-year | 80.3% | 78.3% | 77.8% | 77.4% | - | | Three-year | 63.6% | 63.4% | 64.3% | - | - | | Four-year | 52.6% | 54.0% | - | - | - | | Five-year | 45.6% | - | - | - | - | Table 2 One-Year to Five-Year Survival Rate of Newly-Born Enterprises in the UK by Year of Birth, 2002-06 | | Year of Birth | | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | | One-year | 92.9% | 92.6% | 94.2% | 94.3% | 96.5% | | Two-year | 79.3% | 78.0% | 78.7% | http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Labour-Market/Publications. Table 1 People Aged 16 to 19 Not in Education, Employment or Training, Scotland | Year | Level | | 2003 | 35,000 | | 2004 | 35,000 | | 2005 | 37,000 | | 2006 | 32,000 | | 2007 | 32,000 | Source: Annual Scottish Labour Force Survey 2003 (March 2003 to February 2004). Annual Population Survey 2004 onwards. Note: Estimates have been rounded to the nearest thousand. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227072,"EventID":"S3W-20471","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of students entering higher education represents those from (a) low-participation neighbourhoods, (b) non-traditional backgrounds and (c) low socio-econo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of students entering higher education represents those from (a) low-participation neighbourhoods, (b) non-traditional backgrounds and (c) low socio-economic classification groups for each of the last five years and when updated statistics will be published.","AnswerText":"The Higher Education Statistics Agency annually publishes higher education performance indicators for all higher education institutions in the UK, including participation rates of students from low participation neighbourhoods and from low socio-economic classification groups. The most recently published performance indicators relate to the academic year 2006-07. HESA''s participation of under-represented groups performance indicators can be found at: http://www.hesa.ac.uk/index.php/content/view/1174/141/. There is no clearly defined measure of students from non-traditional backgrounds, though these are usually assumed to mean students from low socio-economic groups. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227073,"EventID":"S3W-20472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-time higher education students it estimates have dependent children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-time higher education students it estimates have dependent children.","AnswerText":"The Annual Population Survey (APS) collects information on household composition and qualifications being studied by people in the household. The estimated number of full-time students studying for qualifications at the higher education level who have dependent children was 14,000 for the year July 2007 to June 2008. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227074,"EventID":"S3W-20473","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is considered a full-time course (a) by the Scottish Funding Council and (b) for the purposes of council tax collection.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is considered a full-time course (a) by the Scottish Funding Council and (b) for the purposes of council tax collection.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Funding Council classify a full time course as courses with at least 720 planned hours within one academic year for further education (non-advanced) and at least 480 planned hours within one academic year for higher education (advanced) courses. With regards to council tax collection, an individual is generally classed as a full time student and therefore exempt from paying council tax if they are undertaking a course of study for at least 24 weeks of each academic year and requiring at least 21 hours of study, tuition or work experience in each of these weeks. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227075,"EventID":"S3W-20474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is monitoring the impact of the recent changes to Student Awards Agency for Scotland income assessed funding, related to the income of step-parents, introduced dur","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is monitoring the impact of the recent changes to Student Awards Agency for Scotland income assessed funding, related to the income of step-parents, introduced during the academic year 2008-09.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has plans to undertake analysis which will look at the support received by those who have declared the income of a step-parent relative to what they would have received if such an income was not taken into consideration. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227076,"EventID":"S3W-20475","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in receipt of an Education Maintenance Allowance of (a) £10 and (b) £20 received the £150 bonus payment in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in receipt of an Education Maintenance Allowance of (a) £10 and (b) £20 received the £150 bonus payment in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The following table presents the number of school pupils and further education college students who were supported in the £10 and £20 categories of the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) scheme and who received bonus payments in academic years 2005-06 to 2007-08. | Level of Payment | Academic Year | | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | | Number of Students | | £10 | 3,065 | 2,945 | 2,920 | | £20 | 2,975 | 3,200 | 3,385 | | Total (£10 and £20) | 6,040 | 6,145 | 6,310 | Notes: 1. Student numbers have been rounded up or down to the nearest five. 2. Numbers may not sum to totals due to rounding. 3. Direct comparisons between the figures 2007-08 and those for previous academic years cannot be made due to an improvement to the method of collating college data. This removed 75 duplicate cases from the total number of bonus recipients in the £10 and £20 categories in 2007-08. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227077,"EventID":"S3W-20476","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19801 by Stewart Maxwell on 27 January 2009, what level of funding shortfall it is aware of for home adaptations by housing associa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19801 by Stewart Maxwell on 27 January 2009, what level of funding shortfall it is aware of for home adaptations by housing associations, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The currently known level of shortfall for home adaptations by housing associations, broken down by local authority, is as follows: | Local Authority | Estimated Shortfall | | Highland | £0.127 million | | Orkney | £0.025 million | | Argyll and Bute | £0.170 million | | Dumfries and Galloway | £0.081 million | | East Ayrshire | £0.028 million | | East Renfrewshire | £0.012 million | | Glasgow | £0.235 million | | Inverclyde | £0.181 million | | North Ayrshire | £0.132 million | | North Lanarkshire | £0.450 million | | Renfrewshire | £0.003 million | | South Ayrshire | £0.016 million | | South Lanarkshire | £0.179 million | | Total | £1.639 million | These figures differ from those stated in S3W-19801 as they have been updated to reflect the £0.500 million slippage from the Affordable Housing Investment Programme which has been reallocated to East Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and Renfrewshire. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227078,"EventID":"S3W-20477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19802 by Stewart Maxwell on 27 January 2009, when it intends to announce the reallocation of funding to meet demand for home adapta","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19802 by Stewart Maxwell on 27 January 2009, when it intends to announce the reallocation of funding to meet demand for home adaptations.","AnswerText":"Slippage of £0.500 million from elsewhere in the Affordable Housing Investment Programme has been identified and has been re-allocated to East Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and Renfrewshire councils to help meet demand for home adaptations. We will continue to review opportunities for reallocation of funds on a regular basis and will report outturn spend following the year end. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227079,"EventID":"S3W-20478","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the operation of sections 17 and 19A of the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the operation of sections 17 and 19A of the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973.","AnswerText":"Yes. Several reports from the Scottish Law Commission are currently under review, including a report on Personal Injury Actions: Limitation and Prescribed Claims. This report covers the operation of sections 17(2)(b), 18(2)(b) and 19A of the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973, in accordance with one of the references made to the Commission by the previous administration. The discussion papers and reports of the commission are available on its website, http://www.scotlawcom.gov.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227080,"EventID":"S3W-20479","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the right to buy can be applied where a local community, in a settlement of fewer than 3,000 people, wishes to purchase a sports ground and related facilities tha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the right to buy can be applied where a local community, in a settlement of fewer than 3,000 people, wishes to purchase a sports ground and related facilities that are for sale.","AnswerText":"A local community comprising a settlement of up to 10,000 people can register a community interest in land (and assets such as a sports ground and its related facilities). This threshold is applied by the Community Right to Buy (Definition of Excluded Land) (Scotland) Order 2006, which lists the settlements where the right to buy cannot be exercised. To be eligible to apply, a community body must comply with section 34 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. If the sports ground and related facilities are already on the market, the community would need to submit a late application to register its interest under section 39 of the act. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227081,"EventID":"S3W-20480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on what progress has been made towards equal pay since May 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on what progress has been made towards equal pay since May 2007.","AnswerText":"We know from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) 2008 that the gender pay gap for Scotland is currently 13.5%, based on the average (or mean) hourly earnings for full-time staff (defined as working over 30 hours per week). The median figure is nearly 11%. This shows a slight decrease in the pay gap from 2007 when equivalent figures were almost 15% and 12%. If we compare the hourly earnings of women working part-time with those of men working full-time, the gap is just over 32% (based on the average or mean) and almost 35% based on the median. Again, this shows a decrease from 2007 when equivalent figures were 34.5% and 37.5%. Scottish public bodies with more than 150 employees, including Scottish Government, were required to publish an equal pay statement that sets out their policy on equal pay between men and women by September 2007, and report against the statement - and review the statement - at least every three years. (specific public sector duty under the Gender Equality Duty). The first reports are due in September 2010. One of the Scottish Government''s gender equality objectives is to tackle the gender pay gap/ work towards equal pay, as detailed in the Scottish Government''s Gender Equality Scheme and Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 47696). http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/06/12114733/0. The Scottish Government recognises that a key issue for understanding and tackling the pay gap is occupational segregation. The cross-directorate working group on occupational segregation published its report on the Scottish Government website in August 2008 and the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 47697). http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/08/27101332/0. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227082,"EventID":"S3W-20482","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were caught by police with (a) knives and (b) other offensive weapons in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were caught by police with (a) knives and (b) other offensive weapons in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The number of offensive weapon offences recorded by the eight police forces in Scotland in each of the last five years are shown in the following tables. Offences Involving an Offensive Weapon, by Local Authority Area, 2003-04 | | 2003-04 | | Possession of an Offensive Weapon | Restriction of Offensive Weapon | Having in a Public Place an Article with a Blade or Point | Total | | Aberdeen City | 218 | 0 | 110 | 328 | | Aberdeenshire | 114 | 0 | 30 | 144 | | Angus | 27 | 0 | 8 | 35 | | Argyll and Bute | 37 | 0 | 42 | 79 | | City of Edinburgh | 438 | 1 | 187 | 626 | | City of Glasgow | 1,721 | 0 | 1,612 | 3,333 | | Clackmannanshire | 73 | 0 | 6 | 79 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 121 | 0 | 38 | 159 | | Dundee City | 101 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227084,"EventID":"S3W-20484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of people caught by police with (a) knives or (b) other offensive weapons represents (i) repeat and (ii) first-time offenders in each of the last five yea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of people caught by police with (a) knives or (b) other offensive weapons represents (i) repeat and (ii) first-time offenders in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"Information on whether people caught by the police with knives/other offensive weapons are repeat or first-time offenders is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227085,"EventID":"S3W-20485","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has allocated to services to identify and treat dementia in 2008-09.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has allocated to services to identify and treat dementia in 2008-09.","AnswerText":"Current spend on mental health services, including dementia, is drawn from the record funds allocated to NHS boards and local government. For 2008-09, £10.6 billion has been allocated to Health and £11.2 billion to local government. We are also investing over £1.5 million over the next three years through the Dementia Clinical Research Network and on our work with Alzheimer Scotland and the Dementia Services Development Centre to design effective, practical steps for better and earlier identification and interventions for dementia. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227086,"EventID":"S3W-20486","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that dementia is identified and treated.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that dementia is identified and treated.","AnswerText":"We have a specific timetabled target for NHS boards, linked to the GMS contract, to achieve improvements in the early diagnosis and management of patients with dementia by March 2011. The Mental Health Collaborative is supporting NHS boards in this work and has produced a toolkit designed to analyse their dementia services from the perspective of those using the service. NHS boards are also introducing standards for integrated care pathways (Bib. number 44374) for those with dementia to ensure the right care is available at the right time. NHS Education for Scotland has also recently commissioned the Dementia Services Development Centre to design and deliver training to support early interventions. By the summer, 40 nurses and Allied Health Professionals from across Scotland will have completed this training. We are also investing £600,000 in our work with Alzheimer Scotland and the Dementia Services Development Centre to develop better structured intervention, support and information services immediately following first diagnosis. This work will further develop our understanding of how we can best offer these services in a way that meets the needs of patients and carers in an understanding and sensitive manner. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227087,"EventID":"S3W-20487","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to improve the early diagnosis and treatment of dementia.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to improve the early diagnosis and treatment of dementia.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to answer to question S3W-20486 on 26 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. \r\nNHS bo","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227088,"EventID":"S3W-20488","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is provided to the families of people with dementia.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is provided to the families of people with dementia.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises the impact that caring for someone with dementia can have on the carer and family. Under the GMS contract, GPs are paid to maintain a register for those with dementia and undertake an annual review assessment. These reviews are expected to address the support needs of the individual with dementia as well as the information needs of those caring for that person and the impact of caring on the carer. Through the Scottish Enhanced Services programme, eight NHS boards have developed enhanced services for carers, including those families looking after patients with dementia. Participating GP practices in these areas provide an enhanced care package that includes better identification of carers, assessment of health and support needs and signposting or direct referral to carer support services. We are also investing £9 million to support NHS boards in implementing their Carer Information Strategies. These strategies are supporting real improvements in carer identification, and the provision of carer information and training. This can include the provision of information and training on caring for someone with dementia. In continuing to recognise the importance respite can play for the carer and cared for, we are working closely with COSLA to deliver the concordat commitment to deliver an additional 10,000 respite weeks. And have provided an additional £4 million to enable local authorities to deliver this commitment by 2011. NHS Health Scotland and Alzheimer Scotland have also made widely available their updated booklet coping with dementia A practical handbook for carers (Bib. number 47699) providing information and advice for people who care for someone with dementia. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227089,"EventID":"S3W-20489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to provide extra training for GPs on how to recognise the warning signs of dementia.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to provide extra training for GPs on how to recognise the warning signs of dementia.","AnswerText":"GPs as independent contractors are expected to identify and address their own education needs throughout their careers. GPs are also expected to follow national clinical guidelines on the management of patient with dementia, which includes diagnosis (Bib. number 47786). They are supported in this by NHS boards, for example through the Protected Learning Time initiatives which allows supported time for training. They also have access to a range of education and training materials in different formats and media. Directors of GP Post Graduate Education; NHS Education for Scotland; The Royal College of General Practitioners; NHS elibrary services; specialist colleagues; are amongst those available to help and advise GPs on resources for diagnosis support, and education and training to meet their development needs. Achieving additional skills and knowledge also forms part of the new GP training curriculum, which includes the Care of Older Adults. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227090,"EventID":"S3W-20490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve public awareness of dementia.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve public awareness of dementia.","AnswerText":"Following research into public attitudes and understandings of dementia in 2008 we will shortly launch a pilot public awareness campaign in Tayside which is intended to increase the number of people with dementia coming forward for diagnosis. We will evaluate the outcome of that campaign and use the learning from it to inform possible future national campaign work. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227091,"EventID":"S3W-20491","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many social worker vacancies there are, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many social worker vacancies there are, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"The whole-time equivalent (WTE) vacancies of social workers broken down by local authority is published in table 21 of the Staff of Scottish Local Authority Social Work Services, 2007 Statistics Publication Notice which is available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00667 and the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 46065). ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Adam Ingram","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227092,"EventID":"S3W-20492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can confirm the recent press report that cattle from Belgium will be arriving at a farm in close proximity to the border with England.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can confirm the recent press report that cattle from Belgium will be arriving at a farm in close proximity to the border with England.","AnswerText":"The Animal Health Agency has confirmed that some breeding cattle have been imported from Belgium to a farm in Northumberland. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227093,"EventID":"S3W-20493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take if the voluntary ban on animal movements from bluetongue disease-infected areas is broken.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take if the voluntary ban on animal movements from bluetongue disease-infected areas is broken.","AnswerText":"European Union trade rules require the free movement of animals where they meet the agreed requirements. Scottish livestock industry organisations are promoting a voluntary ban in recognition of the potential implications of sourcing stock from high risk areas. Responsible sourcing of stock represents good practice and where trade meets legal requirements the Scottish Government has no legal ability to intervene. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227094,"EventID":"S3W-20494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to ensure that the voluntary ban on animal movements from bluetongue disease-infected areas is enforced rigorously.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to ensure that the voluntary ban on animal movements from bluetongue disease-infected areas is enforced rigorously.","AnswerText":"Scottish Government advice on keeping bluetongue out of Scotland has been consistent; avoid sourcing livestock from high-risk areas. The majority of the Scottish livestock industry has taken this message on board and a voluntary industry ban on imports is currently in place. However, this ban has no legal standing as where EU bluetongue trade rules are met such trade is legal. As such the voluntary ban relies on the good-will of livestock farmers and dealers. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227095,"EventID":"S3W-20495","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what cross-border safeguards are in place to prevent the spread of bluetongue disease in Scotland from livestock travelling through infected areas in England.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what cross-border safeguards are in place to prevent the spread of bluetongue disease in Scotland from livestock travelling through infected areas in England.","AnswerText":"Although bluetongue virus type 8 was found to be circulating in south east England in 2007, no evidence of virus circulation was found in 2008. There are currently, therefore, no known areas in England with active infection. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227096,"EventID":"S3W-20496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what cross-border safeguards are in place to prevent the spread of bluetongue disease in Scotland from livestock travelling through England.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what cross-border safeguards are in place to prevent the spread of bluetongue disease in Scotland from livestock travelling through England.","AnswerText":"In Scotland we have a post-movement notification system for all susceptible animals that have been in any bluetongue restricted zone other than for bluetongue virus type 8 within the previous 60 days. This Scotland-only provision provides protection from potentially infected animals travelling both directly from foreign bluetongue“infected areas, and indirectly via England or Wales. As Scotland and England are part of the same bluetongue virus type 8 Protection Zone, cross-border safeguards are not permissible for this strain. Scotland does continue to enjoy the protection provided by the post-import testing of all livestock coming to the UK from bluetongue-affected countries on the European continent. Animals travelling to England before moving to Scotland may not move from the first destination premises until negative results for the virus have been obtained. However, the best protection from BTV8 for Scotland''s livestock is being provided by the mass compulsory vaccination campaign currently underway; when temperatures, and risk levels, rise again in the spring, the majority of Scottish livestock will already be immune to this particular virus. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227097,"EventID":"S3W-20497","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were employed by the Forestry Commission Scotland in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were employed by the Forestry Commission Scotland in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) was created on 1 April 2003 as a result of the forestry devolution review. The following table shows the staff figures for FCS since that date. It is not possible to provide directly comparable figures prior to 2003, due to the structural changes arising from the review. | Year | Staff | | 2007-08 | 1,050 | | 2006-07 | 1,051 | | 2005-06 | 1,029 | | 2004-05 | 1,027 | | 2003-04 | 1,037 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227098,"EventID":"S3W-20498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20030 by Nicola Sturgeon on 3 February 2009, whether the proposal to remove the microbiology laboratory from the Vale of Leven Hosp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20030 by Nicola Sturgeon on 3 February 2009, whether the proposal to remove the microbiology laboratory from the Vale of Leven Hospital to a central location will be subject to public consultation.","AnswerText":"In the first instance, this is a matter for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. It is right that the board consider options to maintain and develop modern, efficient and effective laboratory services in the best interests of patients, and that these options are subject to appropriate engagement with stakeholders. Any decision to close existing laboratory services at the Vale of Leven Hospital would ultimately be subject to my approval and I would have to be convinced by robust evidence that such a move was in the best interests of patients and local people. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227099,"EventID":"S3W-20499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce routine collection of information relating to NHS property management policies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce routine collection of information relating to NHS property management policies.","AnswerText":"Yes. This will be a requirement of the new NHSScotland Asset Management Policy which currently in development and scheduled for issue by end of May 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227100,"EventID":"S3W-20500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce an annual analysis of NHS bodies’ asset strategies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce an annual analysis of NHS bodies’ asset strategies.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20499 on 23 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227101,"EventID":"S3W-20501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take in light of the Audit Scotland report, Asset management in the NHS in Scotland, published on 29 January 2009. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take in light of the Audit Scotland report, Asset management in the NHS in Scotland, published on 29 January 2009. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government welcomes the publication of the Audit Scotland Report Asset Management in the NHS in Scotland and will respond positively to address the key messages and recommendations contained within the report. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227102,"EventID":"S3W-20502","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action was taken in light of the 2004 Audit Scotland report, Better Equipped to Care? Follow-up report on managing medical equipment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action was taken in light of the 2004 Audit Scotland report, Better Equipped to Care? Follow-up report on managing medical equipment.","AnswerText":"We continue to support NHSScotland to implement the recommendations of the report by separately identifying and allocating specific resources for medical equipment. Within the capital budget agreed for SR 2007, £90 million has been identified to support investment in medical equipment. Scottish Government Health Directorates established a system to monitor the implementation of the recommendations of the report by NHS boards. This involves a follow up exercise conducted on a six monthly basis with all NHS boards on their progress in implementing the recommendations in the report. NHS boards are also asked to report on the level of planned and actual investment in categories of medical equipment as part of the financial information supporting local delivery plans and capital expenditure monitoring. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227103,"EventID":"S3W-20503","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what issues have been followed up with NHS bodies as a result of information provided on progress in implementing the recommendations in the 2004 Audit Scotland report, B","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what issues have been followed up with NHS bodies as a result of information provided on progress in implementing the recommendations in the 2004 Audit Scotland report, Better Equipped to Care? Follow-up report on managing medical equipment.","AnswerText":"Scottish Government Health Directorates liaise regularly with NHS boards on all issues and recommendations in the Audit Scotland report. NHS boards are asked to report on the level of investment in medical equipment as part of the financial information which supports Local Delivery Plans and to submit bi-annual returns identifying progress made with implementing the recommendations made in the 2004 Audit Scotland Report. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227104,"EventID":"S3W-20504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a new computer system designed to contain a common data set on estate performance across all NHS bodies will be in place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a new computer system designed to contain a common data set on estate performance across all NHS bodies will be in place.","AnswerText":"The system is currently in procurement and a preferred supplier is to be selected by the end of May 2009. A detailed implementation and roll out plan is currently in development. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227105,"EventID":"S3W-20505","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when measures will be introduced requiring NHS bodies to specify build and design quality in capital projects.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when measures will be introduced requiring NHS bodies to specify build and design quality in capital projects.","AnswerText":"The existing Design Quality Policy for NHSScotland already requires NHSScotland bodies to specify build and design quality in capital projects through the use of tools such as Achieving Excellence Design Evaluation Toolkit (AEDET) and BREEAM Healthcare as a basis for assessing sustainability in health projects. The Scottish Government Health Directorates has a Framework Agreement in place with Architecture and Design Scotland for the provision of Design Review, enabling support for NHS Boards and the provision of advice and guidance on design related matters for NHS Boards. Work is in hand to consider how design quality can be embedded within the Scottish Government Health Directorates business case approval processes through the further development of the Scottish Capital Investment Manual for NHSScotland and the involvement of appropriate design experts within the business case approvals process. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227106,"EventID":"S3W-20506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that NHS bodies undertake past project reviews, as required by the Scottish Public Finance Manual. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that NHS bodies undertake past project reviews, as required by the Scottish Public Finance Manual. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government Health Directorates have already introduced a system to monitor post project and post occupancy reviews. The timescales set out for such reviews in business cases will be monitored and reports followed up under the auspices of the Health Directorates'' Capital Investment Group. For projects not requiring Scottish Government approval, NHSScotland bodies will be required to undertake post project evaluations and submit an annual report of the key lessons learned across such projects. These lessons will be collated by Scottish Government Health Directorates to provide a useful resource for the benefit of NHSScotland as a whole. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227107,"EventID":"S3W-20507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many post project reviews have been carried out by each NHS board in accordance with the requirements of the Scottish Public Finance Manual in each of the last five y","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many post project reviews have been carried out by each NHS board in accordance with the requirements of the Scottish Public Finance Manual in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The number of post project reviews carried out by each NHS board in accordance with the requirements of the Scottish Public Finance Manual in each of the last five years is set out in the following table: | NHS Board | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | | Ayrshire and Arran | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | | Borders | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | | Fife | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | | Grampian | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | | Forth Valley | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | Greater Glasgow and Clyde | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | | Highland | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | Lanarkshire | 0 | 0 ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227109,"EventID":"S3W-20509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to encourage joint development of the public sector estate, as recommended in the Audit Scotland report, Asset Management in the NHS in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to encourage joint development of the public sector estate, as recommended in the Audit Scotland report, Asset Management in the NHS in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The hub initiative supported by the Scottish Government and delivered through the Scottish Futures Trust is aimed a supporting the more effective development and delivery of joint projects. The hub initiative is based on bringing together public sector partners to plan and procure community based premises. The Scottish Futures Trust are currently engaged with the South East and North territories to prepare them for procurement in summer 2009. Currently all business cases for community based premises submitted to the Scottish Government Health Directorates for approval are assessed to ensure that there has been appropriate engagement with other public sector partners prior to approval. The national estate management system for NHSScotland currently in procurement has been specified to ensure that data can be extracted and linked to data held by local authorities. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227110,"EventID":"S3W-20510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to build on the work of the Joint Premises Project Board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to build on the work of the Joint Premises Project Board.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is supporting the development of the hub initiative which was developed following consideration of possible joint venture models by the Joint Premises Project Board (JPPB) and which is seeking to address many of the issues identified by the JPPB as creating barriers to developing joint premises. The hub initiative is being taken forward by the Scottish Futures Trust with two pathfinders in the South East and North of Scotland in development and preparing for procurement. The Scottish Government are also supporting the procurement of a national estate management system, the dataset for which is consistent with the joint dataset for NHSScotland and local authorities developed through the Joint Premises Project Board. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227111,"EventID":"S3W-20511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to ensure that NHS bodies and local authorities can work together more strategically to develop the public sector estate, as recommended in the A","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to ensure that NHS bodies and local authorities can work together more strategically to develop the public sector estate, as recommended in the Audit Scotland report, Asset management in the NHS in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20510 on 25 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227112,"EventID":"S3W-20512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to remove the barriers to joint asset development identified in the Audit Scotland report, Asset management in the NHS in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to remove the barriers to joint asset development identified in the Audit Scotland report, Asset management in the NHS in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20510 on 25 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227113,"EventID":"S3W-20513","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will promote policies and guidance for all types of assets in the NHS and update its current policies and guidance to reflect changes in the NHS and the develo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will promote policies and guidance for all types of assets in the NHS and update its current policies and guidance to reflect changes in the NHS and the development of new health policies.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20499 on 23 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227114,"EventID":"S3W-20514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will establish procedures for NHS bodies to work with community health partnerships to gather data on the facilities used by GPs, dentists, pharmacists and opt","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will establish procedures for NHS bodies to work with community health partnerships to gather data on the facilities used by GPs, dentists, pharmacists and opticians.","AnswerText":"Yes. Arrangements are currently being considered to collate data held on facilities used by GPs, dentists, pharmacists and opticians and integrate such premises into the wider estates strategies of NHS boards. A revaluation exercise is currently being undertaken for dental premises and a procurement exercise will be launched for GP premises in autumn 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227115,"EventID":"S3W-20515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to ensure that NHS bodies hold all information on their assets electronically.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to ensure that NHS bodies hold all information on their assets electronically.","AnswerText":"A national computer system to support estate management across NHSScotland is currently in procurement and will support both the standardisation of data held on the NHSScotland estate. The dataset for the new system has already been established. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227116,"EventID":"S3W-20516","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to improve the NHS estate in light of the finding in the Audit Scotland report, Asset Management in the NHS in Scotland, that around a third of t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to improve the NHS estate in light of the finding in the Audit Scotland report, Asset Management in the NHS in Scotland, that around a third of the estate will require major upgrading soon.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is investing £1.676 billion of capital resources in NHSScotland over three years. These record levels of capital investment are supporting replacement and upgrading of the estate as well as providing fit for purpose IT, equipment and vehicles. This investment represents an increase of 19.9% on the previous spending review period. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227117,"EventID":"S3W-20517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to ensure that NHS bodies improve sustainability in the NHS estate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to ensure that NHS bodies improve sustainability in the NHS estate.","AnswerText":"From 1 April 2009 NHS boards have a specific HEAT target to reduce energy consumption by 2% per annum (climatically adjusted). An additional £15 million of capital resources have been identified over three years to support carbon reduction measures within NHS boards The Scottish Government will also require all NHSScotland bodies to apply the BREEAM Healthcare sustainability assessment tool to new capital investment and require an excellent rating for all new health facilities. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227118,"EventID":"S3W-20518","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to improve the NHS estate, given the finding in the Audit Scotland report, Asset Management in the NHS in Scotland, that the NHS estate is not su","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to improve the NHS estate, given the finding in the Audit Scotland report, Asset Management in the NHS in Scotland, that the NHS estate is not sufficiently accessible for disabled people.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is investing £1.676 billion of capital resources into NHSScotland over the Spending Review 2007 period to improve infrastructure. Asset management strategies prepared by NHS boards will require to demonstrate the strategies and actions employed to address statutory compliance issues including those relating to access for disabled people. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227119,"EventID":"S3W-20519","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to integrate equality and diversity issues more fully into NHS estate management practices.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to integrate equality and diversity issues more fully into NHS estate management practices.","AnswerText":"Since 2005 NHS boards have been required to equality impact assess all new and revised policies or functions, which was communicated via a Health Department Letter (2005) 09. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227120,"EventID":"S3W-20520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to ensure that the results of the five-yearly estate surveys carried out by NHS bodies are collated and analysed centrally to ensure that an accu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to ensure that the results of the five-yearly estate surveys carried out by NHS bodies are collated and analysed centrally to ensure that an accurate assessment is made of the entire NHS estate.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20499 on 23 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227121,"EventID":"S3W-20521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to improve those parts of the NHS estate described as in serious risk of imminent breakdown in the Audit Scotland report, Asset Management in the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to improve those parts of the NHS estate described as in serious risk of imminent breakdown in the Audit Scotland report, Asset Management in the NHS in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will require NHS boards to identify appropriate strategies and actions to address those areas identified as a serious risk of imminent breakdown as part of their overall estate management arrangements. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227122,"EventID":"S3W-20522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to ensure that all NHS bodies have a specific strategy for addressing maintenance backlog.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to ensure that all NHS bodies have a specific strategy for addressing maintenance backlog.","AnswerText":"The terms of the revised asset management policy will require all NHS boards to demonstrate how they are addressing backlog maintenance through both direct maintenance and the replacement of facilities. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227123,"EventID":"S3W-20523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when NHS Dumfries and Galloway, NHS Highland, NHS Lanarkshire, NHS Shetland and NHS Western Isleswill have a strategy in place for addressing backlog maintenance.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when NHS Dumfries and Galloway, NHS Highland, NHS Lanarkshire, NHS Shetland and NHS Western Isleswill have a strategy in place for addressing backlog maintenance.","AnswerText":"All NHS boards will require to have a strategy identified to address backlog maintenance (whether by maintenance or replacement) by the end of 2009. Following the implementation of the new Asset Management Policy all NHS boards will require to have annually updated asset strategies which include plans and approaches for tackling outstanding backlog maintenance. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227124,"EventID":"S3W-20524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that NHS bodies meet good practice guidelines that suggest that maintenance costs should be 60% planned and 40% reactive.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that NHS bodies meet good practice guidelines that suggest that maintenance costs should be 60% planned and 40% reactive.","AnswerText":"The terms of the revised Asset Management policy will require the separation of planned and reactive maintenance. In addition NHS boards will be required to demonstrate how they are addressing backlog maintenance through replacement of facilities. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227125,"EventID":"S3W-20525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that NHS bodies provide a breakdown of expenditure on planned and reactive maintenance.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that NHS bodies provide a breakdown of expenditure on planned and reactive maintenance.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20499 on 23 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227126,"EventID":"S3W-20526","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to ensure that NHS bodies are budgeting to meet the costs of planned estate maintenance that is carried out at required intervals over the life o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to ensure that NHS bodies are budgeting to meet the costs of planned estate maintenance that is carried out at required intervals over the life of the asset.","AnswerText":"NHSScotland bodies require to demonstrate that they have the necessary capital and revenue resources within their financial plans when making investment in their assets to cover not just the initial investment but the on-going operation and maintenance of such assets. Economic appraisals are undertaken for such decisions which incorporate lifecycle costs in accordance with the requirements of the Scottish Capital Investment Manual and HM Treasury Green Book guidance. Under the terms of the revised asset management policy NHSScotland bodies will be required to set out their planned maintenance programmes to demonstrate that they are satisfactorily maintaining their estate or, where this is not appropriate, replacing or disinvesting inappropriate estate. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227127,"EventID":"S3W-20527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that NHS bodies comply with Scottish Government Health Directorate design policy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that NHS bodies comply with Scottish Government Health Directorate design policy.","AnswerText":"Scottish Government Health Directorates have conducted a review of the implementation of the Design Quality Policy in November 2008. Issues arising from that review are currently being followed up with NHS boards. As part of the performance management arrangements established under the terms of a revised Asset Management Policy from end of May 2009, NHS boards require to demonstrate compliance with the Design Quality Policy. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227128,"EventID":"S3W-20528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when all NHS bodies will have trained their estate staff in equality and diversity.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when all NHS bodies will have trained their estate staff in equality and diversity.","AnswerText":"NHS Education for Scotland have responsibility for the delivery of an educational framework on equality and diversity for the NHSScotland workforce. The Equality and Planning Directorate at NHS Health Scotland host a network of Equality and Diversity lead officers from across NHSScotland, who support this work across their organisations. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227129,"EventID":"S3W-20529","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will require NHS bodies to examine their estate workforce profiles and identify future capacity issues.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will require NHS bodies to examine their estate workforce profiles and identify future capacity issues.","AnswerText":"NHS boards currently undertake the planning of their service requirements to meet the health care needs of their population. This includes planning the future workforce to deliver these services. For the first time this year, boards have been asked to include in their local delivery plans a summary of any particular workforce issues they expect to face. If there are any issues within boards in relation to any part of the workforce, including estates we would expect to see this reflected in their local delivery plans. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227130,"EventID":"S3W-20530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to ensure that NHS bodies review their performance management arrangements and develop performance measures and targets in relation to their asse","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to ensure that NHS bodies review their performance management arrangements and develop performance measures and targets in relation to their assets.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20499 on 23 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227131,"EventID":"S3W-20531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many foreign nationals are in prison in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many foreign nationals are in prison in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows: As of 25 February 2009 there were 293 foreign nationals in SPS custody. This equates to 3.7% of the total population. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227132,"EventID":"S3W-20532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it provides to the marine industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it provides to the marine industry.","AnswerText":"This question concerns statistics and government support for the marine industry. This includes such industries as sea fishing, aquaculture, ports, shipping, marine boat and ship building. Scotland''s Seas: Towards Understanding their State, published in April 2008, contains an analysis of economic activity in the marine environment. Table 5.3 in Chapter 5 (page 117) (Bib. number 45262), on Productive Seas, contains the first overall assessment of the economic value and associated employment of Scotland''s seas and summarises the economic value and employment for a range of marine-related industry. The report highlights that the seas generate around £2.2 billion of marine-industry activity (excluding offshore oil and gas extraction activity) and provide approximately 50,000 jobs in Scotland. The Scottish Government does not have readily available separate figures on leisure, commercial and defence work. From an alternative source, the number of enterprises in Scotland, following the same categories as table 5.3 in Scotland''s Seas are in the following table: Number of Enterprises1 in the Marine-Related Industries in Scotland | Industry | Enterprises | | Sea fishing | 1,695 | | Fish farming | 160 | | Service activities incidental to oil and gas extraction | 175 | | Processing and preserving of fish and fish products | 150 | | Building and repairing of ships and boats | 160 | | Construction of water projects | 20 | | Sea and coastal water transport | 180 | | Total | 2,545 | Source: Scottish Government, Office of National Statistics (Inter Departmental Business Register) published October 2008. Notes: Totals may not equal the sum of the constituent parts due to rounding. 1. Excludes central and local government. Government support, in terms of finance and in providing a framework in which industry can develop, is varied. For example: 1. The Wave and Tidal Energy Scheme (WATES) comprises of £13 million in capital support for the development of marine renewable technologies. Scotland is establishing the precedent of offering higher revenue support for marine renewable technologies through its Renewables Obligation. The £10 million Saltire Prize aims to accelerate the commercial deployment of wave and tidal devices. The Scottish Government has created one of the world''s largest ever innovation prizes to stimulate global innovation in these technologies. Scottish Government is also supporting the growth of the marine renewable industry through FREDS Marine Energy Group (MEG) and the Marine Energy Spatial Planning Group. 2. The principal financial support mechanism for the fishing, processing and aquaculture sectors is provided through the European ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227133,"EventID":"S3W-20533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the size is of the marine industry in terms of the number of companies and employees.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the size is of the marine industry in terms of the number of companies and employees.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20532 on 3 March 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227134,"EventID":"S3W-20534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the economic value is of the marine industry, broken down by (a) leisure, (b) commercial and (c) defence work.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the economic value is of the marine industry, broken down by (a) leisure, (b) commercial and (c) defence work.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20532 on 3 March 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227135,"EventID":"S3W-20535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to develop the marine industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to develop the marine industry.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20532 on 3 March 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227136,"EventID":"S3W-20536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the MMR vaccination uptake rate was in NHS Tayside in each of the last three years, broken down by community health partnership. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the MMR vaccination uptake rate was in NHS Tayside in each of the last three years, broken down by community health partnership. ","AnswerText":"MMR vaccination uptake rates by community health partnership are published on the Information Service Division (ISD) Scotland website under Child Health at: http://www.isdscotland.org/isd/ch-immunisation.jsp?pContentID=5407&p_applic=CCC&p_service=Content.show&. Data is available by calendar year for 2006 and 2007 and by quarter from the period ending 30 June 2006 to 30 September 2008. Data for the quarter and calendar year ending 31 December 2008 will be published at the end of March 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227137,"EventID":"S3W-20537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many passengers have used the Caledonian Sleeper service departing from (a) London and (b) Scotland in each month since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many passengers have used the Caledonian Sleeper service departing from (a) London and (b) Scotland in each month since 1999.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held in the format requested and the information that is held on sleeper passenger numbers is from 2004-05 and not 1999 as requested. This is due to the fact that First ScotRail has operated the current Franchise since October 2004 and rail powers transferred to Scottish ministers from October 2005. The table gives the total sleeper journeys (thousands) for each four week period, each year, from 1 April 2004. The figures are given in rail industry periods. This gives the total for all Caledonian Sleeper routes which consist of the Highlander routes (operating between London and Fort William/Inverness/Aberdeen) and the Lowlander routes (operating between London and Glasgow/ Edinburgh). | Year/ Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | | 2004-05 | 1,838 | 1,701 | 1,695 | 1,669 | 1,849 | 1,784 | 1,796 | 1,837 | 1,922 | 1,470 | 1,612 | 1,799 | 1,651 | | 2005-06 | 1,881 | 1,804 | 1,791 | 1,779 | 1,900 | 1,931 | 1,889 | 1,924 | 2,024 | 1,575 | 1,731 | 1,879 | 1,773 | | 2006-07 | 1,872 | 1,823 | 1,814 | 1,752 | 2,047 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227138,"EventID":"S3W-20538","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many direct rail services connect London and Scotland each day.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many direct rail services connect London and Scotland each day.","AnswerText":"Rail services between London and Scotland on Cross Border routes are operated by Virgin Trains and National Express East Coast (NXEC) under franchises awarded by the Department for Transport (DfT). The exception is the Caledonian Sleeper services which are provided under the franchise awarded to First ScotRail by the Scottish Government. The number of services operated is specified in the Service Level Commitments agreed by train operating companies and DfT. I understand that there are 32 daily services connecting Scotland and London on Monday to Thursday (with three more NXEC services on the East Coast on Fridays). Full and updated details of weekend services can be found at the National Rail Enquiries website http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227139,"EventID":"S3W-20539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on how many direct flights connect London and Scotland each day.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on how many direct flights connect London and Scotland each day.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of direct flights connecting London and Scotland each day is set out in the following table: Information for week 9-15 February 2009 in Current Timetables | | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | | London to Scotland | 75 | 88 | 117 | 103 | 109 | 111 | 115 | | Scotland to London | 78 | 87 | 118 | 103 | 107 | 111 | 111 | | Total flights London/Scotland/London | 153 | 175 | 235 | 206 | 216 | 222 | 226 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227140,"EventID":"S3W-20540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19517 by John Swinney on 19 January 2009, when it expects to publish its composite response to all the action groups, including the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19517 by John Swinney on 19 January 2009, when it expects to publish its composite response to all the action groups, including the Accountability and Governance Action Group.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19517 on 19 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. I expect to publish a composite response to all five of the action groups, including the Accountability and Governance Action Group, shortly. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227141,"EventID":"S3W-20541","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-8582 by Shona Robison on 28 January 2008, when updated statistics on the percentage of mothers recorded as breastfeeding at their s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-8582 by Shona Robison on 28 January 2008, when updated statistics on the percentage of mothers recorded as breastfeeding at their six-to-eight-week review in (a) NHS Tayside and (b) Scotland will be published.","AnswerText":"Information on breastfeeding rates at the six-to-eight-week review are published on the ISD Scotland website under Child Health at www.isdscotland.org/child_breastfeeding and are updated annually in May. The latest published statistics are for children born in 2007 and these are available for the 11 NHS board areas that participate in the Child Health Systems Programme - Pre-School system, including NHS Tayside. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227142,"EventID":"S3W-20542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2633,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many further education students it estimates to have dependent children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many further education students it estimates to have dependent children.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227143,"EventID":"S3W-20543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will develop a national mental health service for deaf people and, if so, what the timescale will be for achieving a service agreement to that effect.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will develop a national mental health service for deaf people and, if so, what the timescale will be for achieving a service agreement to that effect.","AnswerText":"Mental health services for those with sensory loss continue to develop and improve. For example, a new dedicated community service and a deaf counselling service are now operational and have been well received by service users in Lothian. National access to specialist in-patient services when needed is long established through referrals to the John Denmark Unit in Manchester with attention to transitions a feature of the care pathway. We are examining with partners the merits of a Scotland-based in-patient facility and how to further improve regional specialist community services. ","AnswerDate":"2008-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227144,"EventID":"S3W-20544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has under the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 to regulate community care charges.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has under the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 to regulate community care charges.","AnswerText":"The Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 gave ministers powers to regulate charges for social care. However, the Scottish Executive made clear at that time that it would support self-regulation by the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) if it achieved consistency. It also made a commitment to hold these powers in reserve until implementation of COSLA''s guidance on charging was evaluated. In its Stage 1 Report on the Bill, the Health and Community Care Committee of the Scottish Parliament endorsed the approach of COSLA in preparing the guidance, and the reserve powers being taken by ministers. The evaluation of the guidance began in 2004 and revised guidance was issued in 2006. Key stakeholders, including the Scottish Executive were involved in the consultation process. The guidance is currently under further review by COSLA. We continue to support the aim of the COSLA guidance to achieve consistency, whilst allowing for local authority discretion in ensuring that charges are reasonable for each individual client. The Scottish Government has no plans at present to use its reserve powers under the 2002 act to regulate charges for social care. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227145,"EventID":"S3W-20545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what circumstances it would use powers provided in the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 to regulate community care charges.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what circumstances it would use powers provided in the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 to regulate community care charges.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the question S3W-20544 answered on 5 March 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227146,"EventID":"S3W-20546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that consistency of charging for community care across Scotland is desirable.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that consistency of charging for community care across Scotland is desirable.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20544 on 5 March 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227147,"EventID":"S3W-20547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what charges are made for learning disability services by each local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what charges are made for learning disability services by each local authority.","AnswerText":"Information on the charging policies of each local authority for specific social care services or client groups is not held centrally. The National Assistance (Assessment of Resources) Regulations 1992 provide the framework for local authorities to charge for care that they provide or arrange in residential care homes, including for people with learning disabilities. Under Section 87 (1A) of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 a local authority may charge for certain adult non-personal domiciliary services it provides. In keeping with local accountability, it is for local authorities to decide their charging policies for these non-personal care services. The legislation requires that any charges levied should not be more than appears to be reasonably practicable for the recipient to pay, taking account of his or her other financial commitments. Guidance issued to local authorities by the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities in January 2006 recommends a consistent framework for charging and encourages councils to demonstrate that they are following best practice. The guidance is currently under review by the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227148,"EventID":"S3W-20548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what charges are made for home care services by each local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what charges are made for home care services by each local authority.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20547 on 4 March 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227149,"EventID":"S3W-20549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what charges are made for day services for (a) elderly people and (b) people with a learning disability by each local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what charges are made for day services for (a) elderly people and (b) people with a learning disability by each local authority.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20547 on 4 March 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227150,"EventID":"S3W-20550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what charges are made for the provision of home delivered meals by each local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what charges are made for the provision of home delivered meals by each local authority.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20547 on 4 March 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227151,"EventID":"S3W-20551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what charges are made for alarm services for vulnerable people by each local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what charges are made for alarm services for vulnerable people by each local authority.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20547 on 4 March 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227152,"EventID":"S3W-20552","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are circumstances under which Scottish ministers can exercise discretion on whether a defendant is held on remand and, if so, what they are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are circumstances under which Scottish ministers can exercise discretion on whether a defendant is held on remand and, if so, what they are.","AnswerText":"No. Decisions on remand are for the courts, not for the Scottish ministers. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227153,"EventID":"S3W-20553","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are circumstances under which Scottish ministers can act as bail guarantor for Scottish citizens under criminal charge in foreign jurisdictions and, if so, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are circumstances under which Scottish ministers can act as bail guarantor for Scottish citizens under criminal charge in foreign jurisdictions and, if so, what they are.","AnswerText":"No, there are no such circumstances. ","AnswerDate":"2008-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227154,"EventID":"S3W-20554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19791 by Maureen Watt on 29 January 2009, whether it plans to record centrally and report the number of pupils caught carrying a kn","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19791 by Maureen Watt on 29 January 2009, whether it plans to record centrally and report the number of pupils caught carrying a knife at school.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to record centrally and report the number of pupils caught carrying a knife at school. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227155,"EventID":"S3W-20555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19791 by Maureen Watt on 29 January 2009, whether it considers that, if information on the number of school pupils who were caught ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19791 by Maureen Watt on 29 January 2009, whether it considers that, if information on the number of school pupils who were caught carrying a knife was recorded and reported, it would be in a better position to judge the scale of the problem and therefore better equipped to take targeted action.","AnswerText":"Local authorities and schools are in the best position to locally monitor, analyse and respond to serious incidents and to identify what targeted action, if any, is required in response to local needs. Where a particular school may have a particular problem which is causing concern, local authorities have a key role in engaging with the school to secure improvement. In addition, HM Inspectorate of Education, through district inspectors and inspections, also engages with local authorities and schools to take forward issues such as safety, security and disciplinary climate and would continue to work together with a school and local authority to improve provision following an inspection. There are a wide range of strategies and provision to manage behaviour in schools including preventing and dealing with serious incidents such as knife carrying. We work with local authorities to support schools implement the most effective approaches to managing behaviour. We fund the Positive Behaviour Team - £500,000 per year - to work across Scotland to promote and good practice through guidance, training and support. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227156,"EventID":"S3W-20556","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19206 by Kenny MacAskill on 15 January 2009, for what reasons Lothian and Borders Community Justice Authority received a negative a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19206 by Kenny MacAskill on 15 January 2009, for what reasons Lothian and Borders Community Justice Authority received a negative allocation of funds.","AnswerText":"Community Justice Authorities (CJA) receive a share of overall funding calculated by an agreed formula drawing upon published workload statistics over the preceding three years. The total Scotland-wide allocation for Community Service for 2009-10 has increased from £13,689,165 to £15,425,618 as a result of the previously announced additional funding. Lothian and Borders CJA''s percentage increase was lower than that for other CJAs because of a drop in their workload figures for Community Service over the preceding three years. The total Lothian and Borders CJA community service allocation has nonetheless benefited by a 5% increase from £2,205,206 to £2,312,420 for the year 2009-10 as a result of the overall increase in government funding for community penalties. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227157,"EventID":"S3W-20557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19205 by Kenny MacAskill on 15 January 2009, in relation to the delivery of speedier and more immediate community penalties, (a) wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19205 by Kenny MacAskill on 15 January 2009, in relation to the delivery of speedier and more immediate community penalties, (a) what targets it has set, (b) when it expects to achieve these targets and (c) whether it plans to make information on the progress of this goal publicly accessible and, if so, how it intends to do this.","AnswerText":"We have been working very closely with our professional stakeholders to agree a new tighter framework for starting and completing community sentences. New guidance in respect of community service orders, which is about to be issued, will require post sentence interviews to be carried out within one working day of the order being made by the court and the work placement to start within seven working days. The new arrangements will inevitably take time to bed in but should lead to significant improvements over current levels of performance. An audit of local authorities'' performance during November 2008 in relation to time taken to start placements is currently in progress and will be repeated in 12 months time. The results of these audits, when completed, will be made available at the Scottish Parliament''s Information Centre (SPICe). ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227158,"EventID":"S3W-20558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body, further to the answer to question S3W-12579 by Alex Johnstone on 6 May 2008, whether the scoping exercise on what was involved in setting up a Cycle t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body, further to the answer to question S3W-12579 by Alex Johnstone on 6 May 2008, whether the scoping exercise on what was involved in setting up a Cycle to Work Scheme has been completed and, if so, whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body plans to implement this scheme in the near future.","AnswerText":" We are currently carrying out some research into what would be involved in setting up a Cycle to Work Scheme. The results of this scoping exercise will be available in April, when a decision will be taken on whether to develop and implement a scheme and, if so, when the resources will be available. In the meantime, the SPCB offers interest free loans of up to £400 to purchase a bicycle. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Johnstone","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227159,"EventID":"S3W-20559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce a Cycle to Work Scheme in all government organisations in order to encourage cycling and set a precedent for good environmental practice amo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce a Cycle to Work Scheme in all government organisations in order to encourage cycling and set a precedent for good environmental practice among employers.","AnswerText":"There are plans to introduce a Cycle to Work Scheme for Scottish Government staff. Details of the scheme will be announced in early March. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227160,"EventID":"S3W-20560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-time university students in (a) Dundee City and (b) Angus council areas have been in receipt of bursaries in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-time university students in (a) Dundee City and (b) Angus council areas have been in receipt of bursaries in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The following table presents the number of full-time university students domiciled in Dundee City and Angus local authority areas who were in receipt of bursary support from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) in academic years 2005-06 to 2007-08. The total number of Scottish domiciled full-time university students in receipt of bursaries in each academic year is also shown. Number of Full-Time University Students Receiving Bursary Support | Local Authority | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | | Angus | 1,055 | 1,020 | 1,020 | | Dundee City | 1,350 | 1,380 | 1,355 | | Scotland | 42,810 | 43,030 | 42,790 | Source: Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS). Student numbers have been rounded up or down to the nearest five. Students who come under the Nursing and Midwifery Students Bursary Scheme are not included in the table. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227161,"EventID":"S3W-20561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of mothers smoked during pregnancy in (a) the NHS Tayside area and (b) Scotland in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of mothers smoked during pregnancy in (a) the NHS Tayside area and (b) Scotland in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"Information on women smoking at booking is published on the Scottish Health Statistics website under the Births & Babies website at (http://www.isdscotland.org/isd/2911.html). For access to the data, please click on the chart titled Smoking at booking by NHS board of residence: 2007, then select the NHS board or Scotland tab at the bottom of the sheet and the year tab at the top of the sheet. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227162,"EventID":"S3W-20562","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the fertility rates were per 1,000 of female population in age groups (a) 20 to 24, (b) 25 to 29, (c) 30 to 34, (d) 35 to 39 and (e) 40 to 44 in (i) Dundee and (ii) ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the fertility rates were per 1,000 of female population in age groups (a) 20 to 24, (b) 25 to 29, (c) 30 to 34, (d) 35 to 39 and (e) 40 to 44 in (i) Dundee and (ii) Angus in the last two years for which information is available.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the following tables for 2006 and 2007. Figures for 2008 will be available in August 2009. (i) Fertility Rates Per 1,000 of Female Population in Dundee | Age Group | | Year | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | | 2006 | 63.5 | 79.0 | 85.8 | 34.8 | 7.5 | | 2007 | 65.6 | 92.4 | 86.4 | 39.5 | 6.8 | (ii) Fertility Rates Per 1,000 of Female Population in Angus | Age Group | | Year | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | | 2006 | 82.8 | 121.6 | 105.7 | 41.6 | 6.5 | | 2007 | 87.0 | 136.7 | 106.4 | 45.2 | 6.5 | Source: General Register Office for Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227163,"EventID":"S3W-20563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average age of mothers was at time of giving birth in each of the last two years in (a) Dundee and (b) Angus.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average age of mothers was at time of giving birth in each of the last two years in (a) Dundee and (b) Angus.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the following table for 2006 and 2007. The corresponding figures for 2008 are not yet available. Average Age of Mothers at Time of Giving Birth in Dundee and Angus, 2006 and 2007 | Year | Dundee | Angus | | 2006 | 27.5 | 29.2 | | 2007 | 27.5 | 29.2 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227164,"EventID":"S3W-20564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people had a charge proved in a court in Tayside under the Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act 2005 in 2007-08.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people had a charge proved in a court in Tayside under the Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act 2005 in 2007-08.","AnswerText":"Court Proceedings data for 2007-08 is not yet available; it is due to be published in April 2009. Data from the Scottish Government Court Proceedings database for the latest year available, 2006-07, shows that there were six persons with a charge proved in Tayside under the Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act 2005, where this was the main offence. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227165,"EventID":"S3W-20565","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the fabric of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) buildings in Dalkeith.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the fabric of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) buildings in Dalkeith.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers are currently considering a range of options regarding the future of the Scottish Qualifications Authority''s Dalkeith operations. Any decisions made will take account of a variety of factors including assessments of the current building. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227166,"EventID":"S3W-20566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the current office accommodation for the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) in Dalkeith is fit for purpose.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the current office accommodation for the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) in Dalkeith is fit for purpose.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers are currently considering a range of options regarding the future of the Scottish Qualifications Authority''s Dalkeith operations. Any decisions made will take account of the suitability of the current building. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227167,"EventID":"S3W-20567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19440 by Rhona Brankin on 6 January 2009, when it expects the options regarding the proposed relocation of the Scottish Qualificati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19440 by Rhona Brankin on 6 January 2009, when it expects the options regarding the proposed relocation of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) from Dalkeith to have been considered and a decision on the relocation to be made.","AnswerText":"This matter is under consideration by ministers and a decision is expected to be announced shortly. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227168,"EventID":"S3W-20568","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the ratio of NHS dentists to patients has been in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the ratio of NHS dentists to patients has been in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is shown in the following table. Ratio of Dentist Providing NHS General Dental Services to Registered NHS Patients by Local Authority Area, in the Years Ending 31 March 1999-20081, 2, 3 | Local Authority Area | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | | Scotland | 1:1369 | 1:1398 | 1:1377 | 1:1336 | 1:1305 | 1:1276 | 1:1235 | 1:1138 | 1:1055 | 1:1147 | | Aberdeen City | 1:1423 | 1:1475 | 1:1434 | 1:1377 | 1:1190 | 1:1130 | 1:1058 | 1:860 | 1:686 | 1:612 | | Aberdeenshire | 1:1529 | 1:1517 | 1:1623 | 1:1594 | 1:1632 | 1:1509 | 1:1362 | 1:1250 | 1:1107 | 1:1285 | | Angus | 1:1133 | 1:1269 | Local authorities are required by law to provide Audit Scotland with information on sickness absence levels among local government staff on an annual basis. This information can be accessed on the Audit Scotland website www.audit-scotland.gov.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227170,"EventID":"S3W-20570","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many days were lost in the NHS through sickness absence in each year since 1999, broken down by NHS board. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many days were lost in the NHS through sickness absence in each year since 1999, broken down by NHS board. ","AnswerText":"Information on sickness absence rates is based on hours lost at a national level and is available from 2001 onwards. NHS board level information is available from 2005 onwards: http://www.isdscotland.org/isd/servlet/FileBuffer?namedFile=Sickness%20Absence.xls&pContentDispositionType=inline. Sickness absence information is based on hours lost to take account of part-time workers whose standard day is different to a whole-time worker''s standard day. Sickness absence is a complex issue and it is difficult to identify cause and effect, which impacts on where best to target interventions. Much work has been done at the national level, including publishing a Health at Work PIN (Partnership Information Network) guideline. A specialist group (The Promoting Attendance and Managing Sickness Absence Group) has also been established at national level with membership from NHS management, trade unions and the Scottish Government and has within its remit responsibility to identify, disseminate and promote good practice. All Boards have agreed to a target of 4% by March 2009 (with the exception of the Scottish Ambulance Service and NHS 24, whose targets are 5% and 6% respectively). Each board has a sickness absence policy in place and the sickness absence targets have been integrated into objectives for individuals and operational units. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227171,"EventID":"S3W-20571","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many days were lost in the Scottish Ambulance Service through sickness absence in each year since 1999, broken down by division.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many days were lost in the Scottish Ambulance Service through sickness absence in each year since 1999, broken down by division.","AnswerText":"To ensure comparability of data the Scottish Ambulance Service record sickness absence rates as a percentage which allows benchmarking against other health boards. Sickness absence information is based on hours lost to take account of part-time workers whose standard day is different to a whole-time worker''s standard day. The following table shows sickness absence figures from 2002 onwards. This information is not available from 1999-2001. | 2002-03 | 5.7% | | 2003-04 | 5.4% | | 2004-05 | 5.9% | | 2005-06 | 5.5% | | 2006-07 | 5.6% | | 2007-08 | 5.8% | | 2008-09 | 5.3% (to end January 2009) | Scottish Ambulance Service are currently working towards a target of 5% absence rate by 31 March 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227172,"EventID":"S3W-20572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many days were lost in the Scottish Police Service through sickness absence in each year since 1999, broken down by police force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many days were lost in the Scottish Police Service through sickness absence in each year since 1999, broken down by police force.","AnswerText":"Police working days lost due to sickness absence 1999-2000 to 2007-08 | Force | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | | Central | 8,673 | 9,869 | 8,944 | 9,592 | 9,807 | 7,596 | 5,959 | 7,357 | 5,881 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 3,413 | 3,687 | 3,052 | 2,598 | 4,532 | 3,952 | 3,596 | 3,315 | 3,707 | | Fife | 8,818 | 7,920 | 9,804 | 8,870 | 9,044 | 10,341 | 9,427 | 11,454 | 9,715 | | Grampian | 7,522 | 7,035 | 7,561 | 10,519 | 11,742 | 11,075 | 10,295 | 11,629 | 10,548 | | Lothian and Borders | 30,624 | 32,222 | 30,840 | 33,967 | 34,168 | 28,845 | | NHS Board | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | | Argyll and Clyde# | 18 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | Ayrshire and Arran | 15 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 14 | 17 | | Borders | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 4 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 25 | 25 | 21 | 21 | 28 | 22 | | Fife | 11 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 17 | 14 | | Forth Valley | 29 | 34 | 35 | 35 | 45 | 45 | | Grampian | 19 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 19 | 15 | | Greater Glasgow and Clyde | 47 | 46 | 45 | 38 | 42 | 31 | | ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227175,"EventID":"S3W-20575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that maintaining economic activity in remote areas and food production are public goods.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that maintaining economic activity in remote areas and food production are public goods.","AnswerText":"Maintaining economic activity in remote areas and maintaining capacity to produce food are public goods that deliver social, economic and environmental benefits. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227176,"EventID":"S3W-20576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that wildlife and landscape are public goods.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that wildlife and landscape are public goods.","AnswerText":"Enjoyment of wildlife and landscape generally conform to standard definitions of public goods. For example, appreciation of scenery is freely available to all and the pleasure from the study of wildlife can be shared by all. However, there are also gains from land use which are not public goods and in some instances controls to avoid disturbance of wildlife or sensitive environments may be desirable or necessary in the wider public interest. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227177,"EventID":"S3W-20577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households rely on liquid petroleum gas (LPG) for heating, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households rely on liquid petroleum gas (LPG) for heating, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"There are about 19,000 households in Scotland that rely on liquid petroleum gas (LPG) as their main source of heating fuel “ about 0.8% of occupied dwellings. Table 1 shows the number of households relying on LPG by local authority area. Table 1: Estimate or count of households who use LPG as the main heating system by Local Authority and associated 95% confidence intervals: | Local Authority | SHCS Estimate or HEED count of LPG households | Source | 95% Confidence Interval SHCS minimum | 95% Confidence Interval SHCS maximum | | Aberdeen | 100 | 2 | na | na | | Aberdeenshire | 4,620 | 1 | 2,130 | 7,100 | | Angus | 560 | 1 | 130 | 1,170 | | Argyll and Bute | 1,160 | 1 | 450 | 2,110 | | Clackmannanshire | 80 | 1 | 50 | 250 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 1,430 | 1 | 230 | 2,640 | | Dundee | 20 | 2 | na | na | | East Ayrshire | 30 | 2 | We plan to offer at stage 4 replacement LPG heating systems to those already using this fuel if that is their preference rather than electric storage or air source heat pumps. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227179,"EventID":"S3W-20579","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with suppliers of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) to ensure that people who rely on it for heating are not disproportionately disadvantaged by risi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with suppliers of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) to ensure that people who rely on it for heating are not disproportionately disadvantaged by rising costs.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is aware of the significant additional burden that high fuel prices have on those living and working in many rural parts of Scotland, especially as Scotland has a large proportion of people who are off the gas grid and rely on other sources of fuel for heating. Following the recent Petition PE1181 to the Parliament from the Western Isles Council, the Scottish Government is disappointed by the refusal by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to investigate options to reduce the fuel price differential between remote rural and island communities and urban areas in Scotland, and in particular, the possible application for an EU derogation to set a lower rate of fuel duty in designated remote areas. However, the Scottish Government will continue to make representations to the UK Government on this issue. As fuel duty is a reserved issue, responsibility for market regulation rests with the UK Government. Scottish Government officials are however, due to shortly meet with trade bodies and suppliers to discuss the issue of recent price rises in LPG and Heating Oil. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227180,"EventID":"S3W-20580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is making available to people who rely on liquid petroleum gas (LPG) for heating.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is making available to people who rely on liquid petroleum gas (LPG) for heating.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is aware of the significant additional burden that high fuel prices in general have on those living and working in many rural parts of Scotland. As fuel duty is a reserved issue, responsibility for this matter rests with the UK Government. However, the Scottish Government has made a number of representations to the UK Government on the issue recently and will continue to do so. In addition, Scottish Government officials are due to shortly meet with trade bodies and suppliers to discuss the impact of recent price rises in LPG and Heating Oil. In terms of current assistance, to help households and small businesses we fund the Energy Saving Scotland advice network to advice on alternative fuel supplies, including renewable technologies, and on measures to improve the energy efficiency of their homes or premises, saving energy, carbon and money. Depending on personal circumstances and the energy efficiency levels of homes, people may benefit from elements of the Energy Assistance Package, commencing in April 2009, which replaces the Central Heating and Warm Deal Programmes. This package will improve on the existing fuel poverty programmes by reaching more people and providing a wider range of support in one integrated package, and will begin to tackle rural fuel poverty more efficiently. The new package will help increase incomes, reduce fuel bills and improve the energy efficiency of homes. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227181,"EventID":"S3W-20581","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":71,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long records of the people who voted in local government elections are required to be kept.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long records of the people who voted in local government elections are required to be kept.","AnswerText":"The retention of records at Local Government elections is governed by the Scottish Local Government Elections Order 2007. This states that election information held electronically must be retained by the local authority for four years and all other documentation for a period of one year. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Bruce Crawford","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227182,"EventID":"S3W-20582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the expected demand range of (a) oil and (b) gas for the Scottish economy in 2020.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the expected demand range of (a) oil and (b) gas for the Scottish economy in 2020.","AnswerText":"Volume 5 of the Scottish Energy Study, published in November 2008, contains a set of predictions for possible energy related supply and demand trends up to 2020. In particular, table 12 of the report shows the overall demand projections disaggregated by fuel type up to 2020. The report can be found on the Scottish Government website at the following location: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/11/14093227/0. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227183,"EventID":"S3W-20583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20033 by Nicola Sturgeon on 29 January 2009, how many of the 16 cases of the 078 strain of Clostridium difficile resulted in the de","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20033 by Nicola Sturgeon on 29 January 2009, how many of the 16 cases of the 078 strain of Clostridium difficile resulted in the death of the patient.","AnswerText":"There have been four deaths in total as detailed below: | NHS Board | No of Isolates | No of Deaths | | Ayrshire and Arran | 4 | 1 (Contributory factor) | | Fife | 2 | 1 (Contributory factor) | | Grampian | 1 | None | | Greater Glasgow and Clyde | 4 | 1 (Contributory factor) | | Highland | 1 | None | | Lothian | 2 | 1 (Contributory factor) | | Tayside | 2 | None | | Total | 16 | 4 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227184,"EventID":"S3W-20584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20034 by Nicola Sturgeon on 29 January 2009, whether studies into the virulence of the 078 strain of Clostridium difficile are bein","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20034 by Nicola Sturgeon on 29 January 2009, whether studies into the virulence of the 078 strain of Clostridium difficile are being undertaken and, if so, when will they report.","AnswerText":"Health Protection Scotland (HPS) are now undertaking a study that will confirm the strains of Clostridium difficile that are present across NHSScotland and their associated morbidity and mortality. The outcomes from this study will be reported in spring 2010. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227185,"EventID":"S3W-20585","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it first reported the 078 strain of Clostridium difficile to the Parliament.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it first reported the 078 strain of Clostridium difficile to the Parliament.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to S3W-20033 on 29 January 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions can be found on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. It has also been publicly reported through Health Protection Scotland since December 2007 “ and further information is available on the Health Protection Scotland website by accessing the following link: http://www.documents.hps.scot.nhs.uk/hai/sshaip/publications/cdad/2007-12-20-ar-cdad.pdf. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227186,"EventID":"S3W-20586","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs are likely to be created or secured as a result of Strategic Transport Projects Review projects in 2009.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs are likely to be created or secured as a result of Strategic Transport Projects Review projects in 2009.","AnswerText":"Recent investment by Transport Scotland across road and rail - either in long term maintenance or specific infrastructure construction - has supported nearly 13,000 jobs and over £2.5 billion will be invested in Scotland''s strategic transport network over the next three years, supporting the economy through the efficient movement of goods and people. The Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR) has recommended 29 nationally strategic transport schemes over the next 20 years that will let us plan for the delivery of an efficient, integrated transport network fit for the 21st century. A significant number of jobs will therefore be created or secured in delivering these schemes. These will include employing people to take forward the detailed design and development work associated with each scheme and then undertake the necessary construction work to complete each scheme. \r\nstyl","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227187,"EventID":"S3W-20587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs are likely to be created or secured as a result of its budget spending in 2009.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs are likely to be created or secured as a result of its budget spending in 2009.","AnswerText":"The public sector is a vital part of the Scottish economy, providing key services including health, education and transport which have an important impact on Scotland''s economic competitiveness. In delivering these services the public sector employs 576,000 people directly and supports further employment in the private sector through the purchase of goods and services. The £1.8 billion in additional funding and accelerated capital spend provided by the 2009-10 Scottish Government budget is estimated to support around 35,000 jobs in total over the next 12 months in Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227188,"EventID":"S3W-20588","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs it estimates will be created or secured through Homecoming Scotland events in 2009.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs it estimates will be created or secured through Homecoming Scotland events in 2009.","AnswerText":"No target has been set for the number of jobs created or secured from Homecoming events in 2009. However, based on the target to deliver an additional £40 million in tourism revenue and using the Scottish Government''s Input-Output Model for 2004, analysis indicates that this expenditure on tourism would normally equate to the development of approximately 1,000 jobs across all sectors. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227189,"EventID":"S3W-20589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the rebuild cost is for each prison in the prison estate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the rebuild cost is for each prison in the prison estate.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The Scottish Government Infrastructure Investment Plan 2008, published in March 2008, provides details of the funding and planned investment in the prison estate. This includes the redevelopment of some prisons on existing or new sites and forms part of a rolling programme designed to create a fit for purpose prison estate. During 2008-09 to 2010-11, an average of £120 million per annum will be provided to support this programme. The rebuild cost for each prison in the prison estate is not available. Typically, the cost of redeveloping an existing prison (with around 700 prisoner places) would be in the region of some £100-130 million depending on the particular site, role of the prison, design, planning considerations, market pricing etc. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227190,"EventID":"S3W-20590","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Housing Supply Task Force last met.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Housing Supply Task Force last met.","AnswerText":"The Housing Supply Task Force last met on Tuesday 16 December 2008. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227191,"EventID":"S3W-20591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date the Housing Supply Task Force is next scheduled to meet.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date the Housing Supply Task Force is next scheduled to meet.","AnswerText":"Ministers are currently reviewing the membership and remit of the task force. An announcement on this, and the date of the task force''s next meeting, will be made shortly. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227192,"EventID":"S3W-20592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the final report of the Housing Supply Task Force will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the final report of the Housing Supply Task Force will be published.","AnswerText":"The Housing Supply Task Force published its final report on Friday 6 February 2009. A copy has been provided to the Scottish Parliament''s Information Centre (Bib. number 47758). ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227193,"EventID":"S3W-20593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people with learning disabilities received direct payments in (a) 2007 and (b) 2008, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people with learning disabilities received direct payments in (a) 2007 and (b) 2008, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"The information requested is in the following table: Number of Clients with Learning Disabilities Receiving Self-Directed Support (Direct Payment) Packages by Local Authority, 2007 and 2008 | | Number of Clients | | | 2007 | 2008 | | Aberdeen City | 32 | 38 | | Aberdeenshire | 50 | 77 | | Angus | 11 | 11 | | Argyll and Bute | 29 | 38 | | Clackmannanshire | - | - | | Dumfries and Galloway | 39 | 49 | | Dundee City | - | - | | East Ayrshire | 13 | 16 | | East Dunbartonshire | - | - | | East Lothian | 8 | 19 | | East Renfrewshire | - | - | | Edinburgh | 42 | 69 | | Eilean Siar | 7 | 9 | | Falkirk | - | 6 | | Fife | 82 | 88 | | Glasgow | 52 | 53 | | Highland | 101 | 77 | | Inverclyde | - | Value of Self-directed Support (Direct Payment) Packages for People with Learning Disabilities, by Local Authority, 2007 and 2008 | | Value of Direct Payments (£000) | | 2007 | 2008 | | Aberdeen City | 311 | 395 | | Aberdeenshire | 317 | 534 | | Angus | 54 | 50 | | Argyll and Bute | 415 | 598 | | Clackmannanshire | 18 | 4 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 295 | 348 | | Dundee City | 78 | 77 | | East Ayrshire | 50 | 85 | | East Dunbartonshire | - | 20 | | East Lothian | 73 | 278 | | East Renfrewshire | - | - | | Edinburgh | 643 | 915 | | Eilean Siar | 19 | 16 | | Falkirk | 8 | 16 | | Fife | 618 | 793 | | Glasgow | 434 | 594 | | Highland | 566 | 594 | | Inverclyde | 5 | 8 | Month | Number of Systems Installed | | April 2008 | 1,396 | | May 2008 | 1,295 | | June 2008 | 1,322 | | July 2008 | 1,130 | | August 2008 | 1,119 | | September 2008 | 1,059 | | October 2008 | 1,236 | | November 2008 | 520 | | December 2008 | 519 | | Total | 9,596 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227196,"EventID":"S3W-20596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive where a report of the proceedings of the conference of the Community Regeneration and Tackling Poverty learning network held on 27 January 2009 can be accessed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive where a report of the proceedings of the conference of the Community Regeneration and Tackling Poverty learning network held on 27 January 2009 can be accessed.","AnswerText":"A report of the proceedings of, and copies of the presentations given at, the Community Regeneration and Tackling Poverty learning network conference held on 27 January 2009 are available on the Scottish Centre for Regeneration''s website www.partnersinregeneration.com. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227197,"EventID":"S3W-20597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the most recent publication is of the Scottish Centre for Regeneration.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the most recent publication is of the Scottish Centre for Regeneration.","AnswerText":"The most recent publication of the Scottish Centre for Regeneration is the report of the Community Regeneration and Tackling Poverty learning network conference held on 27 January 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227198,"EventID":"S3W-20598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the date of publication was of the most recent publication of the Scottish Centre for Regeneration.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the date of publication was of the most recent publication of the Scottish Centre for Regeneration.","AnswerText":"The report of the Community Regeneration and Tackling Poverty learning network conference was published on the Scottish Centre for Regeneration''s website on 24 February 2009. www.partnersinregeneration.com. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227199,"EventID":"S3W-20599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of the events organised by the Scottish Centre for Regeneration since May 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of the events organised by the Scottish Centre for Regeneration since May 2007.","AnswerText":"Since May 2007 the Scottish Centre for Regeneration has organised 40 different events attracting 1,479 delegates. Details of these are contained in the following table: | Date | Event Title | Location | Number Attended | | 12-2-09 | Town Centres and Local High Streets Learning Network launch | Stirling | 118 | | 27-1-09 | Community Regeneration and Tackling Poverty Learning Network launch | Glasgow | 134 | | 19-1-09 | Identifying Your Learning Needs workshop | Falkirk | 9 | | 5-12-08 | Identifying Your Learning Needs workshop | Hamilton | 17 | | 1-12-08 | Identifying Your Learning Needs workshop | Glasgow | 9 | | 18-11-08 | Identifying Your Learning Needs workshop | Kilmarnock | 11 | | 10-11-08 | Identifying Your Learning Needs workshop | Musselburgh | 16 | | 3-11-08 13-1-09 | Becoming a Learning Champion 2 day workshop | Aberdeen | 10 | | 27-10-08 | Identifying Your Learning Needs workshop | Kilmarnock | 10 | | 24-10-08 | Identifying Your Learning Needs workshop | Kilmarnock | 11 | | 21-10-08 | Identifying Your Learning Needs workshop | Leven | 21 | | 1-10-08 | Identifying Your Learning Needs workshop | Glasgow | 14 | | 25-9-08 | Identifying Your Learning Needs workshop | ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227200,"EventID":"S3W-20600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff are employed in the Scottish Centre for Regeneration.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff are employed in the Scottish Centre for Regeneration.","AnswerText":"There are seven members of staff employed in the Scottish Centre for Regeneration. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227201,"EventID":"S3W-20601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the budget is of the Scottish Centre for Regeneration for 2009-10.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the budget is of the Scottish Centre for Regeneration for 2009-10.","AnswerText":"The total budget for the Scottish Centre for Regeneration (SCR) 2009-10 is approximately £1.56 million. This includes the cost of the SCR''s programme of events, commissioned research and publications as well as the direct running costs of the SCR itself. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227202,"EventID":"S3W-20602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive where a report of the National Carers' Conference held on 27 January 2009 can be accessed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive where a report of the National Carers' Conference held on 27 January 2009 can be accessed.","AnswerText":"I was delighted to have the opportunity to address this important conference. It was a very positive event which brought together carers and local and national policy makers. It empowered carers to have their say about the provision of local carer support, and enabled delegates to share examples of good practice in this vital area. As the event organisers, Glasgow Caledonian University and the National Carer Organisations will be producing a report on the outcomes of this conference in due course. Once finalised, this report will be available on the Glasgow Caledonian website, which can be accessed via www.gcal.ac.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227203,"EventID":"S3W-20603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the agreed date is for the relaunch of the Scottish Centre for Regeneration's website.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the agreed date is for the relaunch of the Scottish Centre for Regeneration's website.","AnswerText":"The re-launch of the Scottish Centre for Regeneration''s website took place on 27 January 2009. The new website address is www.partnersinregeneration.com. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227204,"EventID":"S3W-20604","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Centre for Regeneration's existing website was last updated.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Centre for Regeneration's existing website was last updated.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Centre for Regeneration''s website was last updated on 24 February 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227205,"EventID":"S3W-20605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to publish the Maternity Services Action Group’s neonatal sub-group’s report on the review of neonatal services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to publish the Maternity Services Action Group’s neonatal sub-group’s report on the review of neonatal services.","AnswerText":"The Maternity Services Action Group''s Neonatal Sub-Group report on the Review of Neonatal Services in Scotland is currently being finalised and will be published shortly. I will ensure that you receive a copy of the report, when published. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227206,"EventID":"S3W-20606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Cruse Bereavement Care has been given to provide a bereavement service to schoolchildren and how many children have used this service, broken down by local autho","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Cruse Bereavement Care has been given to provide a bereavement service to schoolchildren and how many children have used this service, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland (CBCS) receive generic funding from the Scottish Government. This comprises: Funding from the Scottish Government''s Children, Young People and Social Care Directorate through the United Voluntary Sector Fund. Current funding for 2007-10 is £37,650 per year, and is provided for aligning their services with the bereavement related needs of clients, including: establishing a CBCS National Phoneline, which is intended to be live by summer 2009; producing a CBCS manual to guarantee quality of service and efficiency, and securing more consistent and sustainable resources to deliver services on an on-going basis. £66,965 for three financial years commencing 2008-09 under section 9 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968, also by the Scottish Government''s Children, Young People and Social Care Directorate. This is to develop further e-learning projects, develop training modules about bereavement by murder, and in turn increase capacity to deliver tailored training to external purchasers, to help all client groups affected by bereavement. £25,000/£23,000/£21,000 over 2007-10 from the Scottish Government''s Mental Health Division to support CBCS''s core administrative functions. CBCS hold figures of services provided Scotland wide, to school children receiving help on a one to one basis, but have advised that the figures provided do not cover the other varied types of help available to school children, e.g. through email contact. CBCS are not able to provide a breakdown of these figures by local authority. CBCS''s National Figures are as follows: Years 2005-08 | Relevant Year 1 April to 31 March | No. of Pre-School Children Seen for One-to-One Support | No. of Primary School Children Seen for One-to-One Support | No. of Secondary School Age Children Seen for One-to-One Support | Total | | 2005-06 | 1 | 51 | 93 | 145 | | 2006-07 | 2 | 38 | 100 | 140 | | 2007-08 | 2 | 37 | 91 | 130 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Adam Ingram","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227207,"EventID":"S3W-20607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to hold a summit similar to the crime prevention summit held by the Home Secretary on 4 February 2009 aimed at reducing acquisitive crime in the current ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to hold a summit similar to the crime prevention summit held by the Home Secretary on 4 February 2009 aimed at reducing acquisitive crime in the current economic downturn. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is aware of the potential impact on crime of the current economic situation and that is why we are working with all the key partners including Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland (ACPOS) and the Scottish Business Crime Centre (SBCC) to ensure there is an integrated approach to crime prevention and community safety. We have no plans to hold a summit, however, the National Community Safety Strategic Group (NCSSG), which is chaired by the Minister for Community Safety and brings together partners such as COSLA, ACPOS, Chief Fire Officers Association (Scotland), Violence Reduction Unit, and Scottish Community Safety Network (SCSN) focuses on crime prevention as a key issues for its joint work. This Group discussed the response to the economic downturn in December 2008 and will do so again at its next meeting in March. In terms of wider discussions, Scottish Government officials met Home Office colleagues on 26 February 2009 to discuss a range of issues including crime prevention and this will be fed back to the NCSSG for their consideration. We will respond directly to the views expressed by the NCSSG so that if there is consensus that more needs to be done then we will act. There is however already activity underway with recent events such as Risky Business, a conference organised by the SBCC and Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency, seeking to highlight some of the emerging threats and recommend practical action. We have already agreed with ACPOS and other partners to develop a crime prevention information resource for practitioners and the public, and that again will provide clear, direct advice to householders and others on how to take practical steps to protect themselves and their property. The first stage of this was published by the SBCC in December and we expect the remainder to be available in summer 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227208,"EventID":"S3W-20608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had in relation to reducing acquisitive crime; which organisations it has met, and what action it intends to take on this issue.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had in relation to reducing acquisitive crime; which organisations it has met, and what action it intends to take on this issue.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is aware of the potential impact on crime of the current economic situation and that is why we are working with all the key partners including Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland (ACPOS) and the Scottish Business Crime Centre (SBCC) to ensure there is an integrated approach to crime prevention and community safety. A key focus for this joint work is the National Community Safety Strategic Group (NCSSG), which is chaired by the Minister for Community Safety and brings together partners such as COSLA, ACPOS, Chief Fire Officers Association (Scotland), Violence Reduction Unit, Scottish Community Safety Network (SCSN). This Group discussed the response to the economic downturn in December 2008 and will do so again at its next meeting in March. In terms of wider discussions, Scottish Government officials met Home Office colleagues on 26 February 2009 to discuss a range of issues including crime prevention and this will be fed back to the NCSSG for their consideration. We will respond directly to the views expressed by the NCSSG so that if there is consensus that more needs to be done then we will act. There is however already activity underway with recent events such as Risky Business, a conference organised by the SBCC and Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency, seeking to highlight some of the emerging threats and recommend practical action. We have already agreed with ACPOS and other partners to develop a crime prevention information resource for practitioners and the public, and that again will provide clear, direct advice to householders and others on how to take practical steps to protect themselves and their property. The first stage of this was published by the SBCC in December and we expect the remainder to be available in summer 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227209,"EventID":"S3W-20609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, given that previous economic downturns have seen an increase in acquisitive crime, whether it plans any new initiatives to increase personal security, particularly for v","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, given that previous economic downturns have seen an increase in acquisitive crime, whether it plans any new initiatives to increase personal security, particularly for vulnerable people.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is aware of the potential impact on crime of the current economic situation and that is why we are working with all the key partners including Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland (ACPOS) and the Scottish Business Crime Centre (SBCC) to ensure there is an integrated approach to crime prevention and community safety. There is already activity underway with recent events such as Risky Business, a conference organised by the SBCC and Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency, seeking to highlight some of the emerging threats and recommend practical action. We have already agreed with ACPOS and other partners to develop a crime prevention information resource for practitioners and the public, and that again will provide clear, direct advice to householders and others on how to take practical steps to protect themselves and their property. The first stage of this was published by the SBCC in December and we expect the remainder to be available in summer 2009. We will ensure this resource meets the needs of vulnerable people. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227210,"EventID":"S3W-20610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the Safer Street project launched by Norwich Union and Norfolk Police and whether it plans to run any similar projects.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the Safer Street project launched by Norwich Union and Norfolk Police and whether it plans to run any similar projects.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is aware of the potential impact on crime of the current economic situation and that is why we are working with all the key partners including Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland (ACPOS) and the Scottish Business Crime Centre (SBCC) to ensure there is an integrated approach to crime prevention and community safety. We have already agreed with ACPOS and other partners to develop a crime prevention information resource for practitioners and the public that will provide clear, direct advice to householders and others on how to take practical steps to protect themselves and their property. The first stage of this was published by the SBCC in December and we expect the remainder to be available in summer 2009. As part of this joint-working we will of course consider good practice from local, national and international sources. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227211,"EventID":"S3W-20611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Home Office following the crime prevention summit held by the Home Secretary on 4 February 2009.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Home Office following the crime prevention summit held by the Home Secretary on 4 February 2009.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20608 on 3 March 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliaments website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227212,"EventID":"S3W-20612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what good practice it will take from the crime prevention summit held by the Home Secretary on 4 February 2009.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what good practice it will take from the crime prevention summit held by the Home Secretary on 4 February 2009.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20608 on 3 March 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliaments website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227213,"EventID":"S3W-20613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new initiatives it is undertaking to highlight the simple and inexpensive steps that homeowners can take to reduce the risks of acquisitive crime.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new initiatives it is undertaking to highlight the simple and inexpensive steps that homeowners can take to reduce the risks of acquisitive crime.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is aware of the potential impact on crime of the current economic situation and that is why we are working with all the key partners including Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland (ACPOS) and the Scottish Business Crime Centre (SBCC) to ensure there is an integrated approach to crime prevention and community safety. We have already agreed with ACPOS and other partners to develop a crime prevention information resource for practitioners and the public that will provide clear, direct advice to householders and others on how to take practical steps to protect themselves and their property. The first stage of this was published by the SBCC in December and we expect the remainder to be available in summer 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227214,"EventID":"S3W-20614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, following the announcement of a £20 million fund for local crime prevention initiatives and targeted support to homes and businesses by the Home Office on 4 February 200","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, following the announcement of a £20 million fund for local crime prevention initiatives and targeted support to homes and businesses by the Home Office on 4 February 2009, whether it plans to bring forward additional funds for similar initiatives.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20608 on 3 March 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliaments website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227215,"EventID":"S3W-20615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, following the publication of Home Office statistics showing that 14% of homes do not have window locks and that 18% do not have adequate doors, whether it intends to tak","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, following the publication of Home Office statistics showing that 14% of homes do not have window locks and that 18% do not have adequate doors, whether it intends to take action on this issue.","AnswerText":"The British Crime Survey only covers England and Wales. Therefore, these statistics do not necessarily reflect Scottish home security. We do not hold similar information for Scotland. The Scottish Government is aware of the potential impact on crime of the current economic situation and that is why we are working with all the key partners including Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland (ACPOS) and the Scottish Business Crime Centre (SBCC) to ensure there is an integrated approach to crime prevention and community safety. A key focus for this joint work is the National Community Safety Strategic Group (NCSSG), which is chaired by the Minister for Community Safety and brings together partners such as COSLA, ACPOS, Chief Fire Officers Association (Scotland), Violence Reduction Unit, Scottish Community Safety Network (SCSN). This group discussed the response to the economic downturn in December 2008 and will do so again at its next meeting in March. In terms of wider discussions, Scottish Government officials met Home Office colleagues on 26 February 2009 to discuss a range of issues including crime prevention and this will be fed back to the NCSSG for their consideration. We will respond directly to the views expressed by the NCSSG so that if there is consensus that more needs to be done then we will act. There is, however, already activity underway with recent events such as Risky Business, a conference organised by the SBCC and Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency, seeking to highlight some of the emerging threats and recommend practical action. We have already agreed with ACPOS and other partners to develop a crime prevention information resource for practitioners and the public, and that again will provide clear, direct advice to householders and others on how to take practical steps to protect themselves and their property. The first stage of this was published by the SBCC in December and we expect the remainder to be available in summer 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227216,"EventID":"S3W-20616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information and advice it provides on home security and whether it plans to develop or expand this in light of the current economic downturn.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information and advice it provides on home security and whether it plans to develop or expand this in light of the current economic downturn.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer to question S3W-20613 on 25 February 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliaments website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227217,"EventID":"S3W-20617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to help homeowners assess the safety of their homes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to help homeowners assess the safety of their homes.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer to question S3W-20613 on 25 February 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliaments website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227218,"EventID":"S3W-20618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4086,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much will be available for town centre works and regeneration initiatives for towns in the (a) Scottish Borders, (b) Dumfries and Galloway, (c) East Lothian, (d) Nort","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much will be available for town centre works and regeneration initiatives for towns in the (a) Scottish Borders, (b) Dumfries and Galloway, (c) East Lothian, (d) North Ayrshire, (e) South Lanarkshire and (f) East Ayrshire council areas from the 2009-10 budget.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government''s £60 million Town Centre Regeneration Fund will be available in 2009-10 to support our town centres and local high streets. We are currently working on the details of the Fund, and will shortly be entering into discussions with stakeholders. We anticipate full details of the scheme will be announced by the end of March 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227219,"EventID":"S3W-20619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning applications to install domestic microgeneration equipment have been received in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning applications to install domestic microgeneration equipment have been received in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227220,"EventID":"S3W-20620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning applications for domestic microgeneration were (a) approved and (b) refused in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning applications for domestic microgeneration were (a) approved and (b) refused in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227221,"EventID":"S3W-20621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total generating capacity was of domestic microgeneration equipment that has received planning permission in each of the last five years, broken down by local au","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total generating capacity was of domestic microgeneration equipment that has received planning permission in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227222,"EventID":"S3W-20622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the proposed total generating capacity was of domestic microgeneration equipment that has been refused planning permission in each of the last five years, broken dow","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the proposed total generating capacity was of domestic microgeneration equipment that has been refused planning permission in each of the last five years, broken down by each local authority.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227223,"EventID":"S3W-20623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints about the (a) noise, (b) visual impact, (c) reflective glare and (d) smoke emissions of domestic microgeneration equipment have been received in each ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints about the (a) noise, (b) visual impact, (c) reflective glare and (d) smoke emissions of domestic microgeneration equipment have been received in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227224,"EventID":"S3W-20624","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the responses to its consultation on Permitted Development Rights for Domestic Microgeneration Equipment, which closed on 12 May 2008.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the responses to its consultation on Permitted Development Rights for Domestic Microgeneration Equipment, which closed on 12 May 2008.","AnswerText":"The responses were published on the Scottish Government website in August 2008. A summary of the responses to the consultation on PD rights for domestic micro-generation equipment were published on Monday 9 February 2009. They can be viewed on the government website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/publications/2008/08/28101947/0. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227225,"EventID":"S3W-20625","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many responses it received to its consultation on Permitted Development Rights for Domestic Microgeneration Equipment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many responses it received to its consultation on Permitted Development Rights for Domestic Microgeneration Equipment.","AnswerText":"Eighty-two responses were received to the consultation on permitted development rights for domestic micro-generation equipment. These can be viewed at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/08/28101947/0. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227226,"EventID":"S3W-20626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what key issues arose from its consultation on Permitted Development Rights for Domestic Microgeneration Equipment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what key issues arose from its consultation on Permitted Development Rights for Domestic Microgeneration Equipment.","AnswerText":"The key issues raised in response to the 26 questions posed in the consultation paper can be seen in the Summary of Consultation Responses. This can be viewed on the government website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/02/06145853/0. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227227,"EventID":"S3W-20627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the draft proposals for the permitted development rights for domestic microgeneration equipment have changed from those outlined in the consultation paper.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the draft proposals for the permitted development rights for domestic microgeneration equipment have changed from those outlined in the consultation paper.","AnswerText":"The Order before Parliament has changed from the draft outlined in the consultation paper including: Thresholds have been made less restrictive, for example the projection of solar panels above the roof plane has been increased from 150mm to 200mm and limits on the area of roof or wall to be covered have been removed; Additional environmental safeguards have been included, for example permitted development rights for biomass equipment have not been granted in Air Quality Management Areas, and Permitted development rights for two classes of development, wind turbines and air source heat pmps) have not been granted pending further consideration. The consultation paper can be view at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/03/04090052/0. The Order before Parliament can be viewed at: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/legislation/scotland/ssi2009/ssi_20090034_en_1. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227228,"EventID":"S3W-20628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total expenditure by NHS Scotland was on medical research in the field of myalgic encephalopathy/chronic fatigue syndrome in each of the last five years and how ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total expenditure by NHS Scotland was on medical research in the field of myalgic encephalopathy/chronic fatigue syndrome in each of the last five years and how this compares with the UK Government’s expenditure for the same period.","AnswerText":"The Chief Scientist Office (CSO), of the Scottish Government''s Health Directorates, has responsibility for encouraging and supporting research into health and health care needs in Scotland. One of the main agencies through which the UK Government funds medical and clinical research is the Medical Research Council (MRC). Expenditure figures on myalgic encephalopathy/chronic fatigue syndrome research are as follows: | | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | | CSO | £0.05 million | £0.05 million | £0.05 million | £0.05 million | £0.05 million | | MRC | £0.14 million | £0.56 million | £0.75 million | £0.80 million | £1.35 million | | Total | £0.19 million | £0.61 million | £0.80 million | £0.85 million | £1.40 million | The figures for the MRC (which has a UK-wide remit) will include expenditure on research projects carried out in Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227229,"EventID":"S3W-20629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on how many people suffering from myalgic encephalopathy/chronic fatigue syndrome are recorded as unemployed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on how many people suffering from myalgic encephalopathy/chronic fatigue syndrome are recorded as unemployed.","AnswerText":"The data on CFS/ME collected by the Information Services Division of NHS National Services Scotland do not include details of people''s employment status. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227230,"EventID":"S3W-20630","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on how many people suffering from myalgic encephalopathy/chronic fatigue syndrome are in receipt of incapacity benefit.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on how many people suffering from myalgic encephalopathy/chronic fatigue syndrome are in receipt of incapacity benefit.","AnswerText":"The issue of incapacity benefit entitlement is a matter reserved to the UK Government and is the responsibility of the Department for Work and Pensions. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227231,"EventID":"S3W-20631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people diagnosed with myalgic encephalopathy/chronic fatigue syndrome entered further or higher education in 2007-08, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people diagnosed with myalgic encephalopathy/chronic fatigue syndrome entered further or higher education in 2007-08, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227232,"EventID":"S3W-20632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2610,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were diagnosed with myalgic encephalopathy/chronic fatigue syndrome in the North Lanarkshire council area in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were diagnosed with myalgic encephalopathy/chronic fatigue syndrome in the North Lanarkshire council area in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227233,"EventID":"S3W-20633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20102 by Shona Robison on 4 February 2009, whether it considers that ending direct payments for new applicants would be consistent ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20102 by Shona Robison on 4 February 2009, whether it considers that ending direct payments for new applicants would be consistent with the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002.","AnswerText":"Local authorities have a duty under the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 to assess the community care needs of people and decide, in the light of the assessment, whether they should arrange any services, and if so, which services. Since June 2003, local authorities have a duty to offer direct payments in lieu of council community care services to all eligible people. In light of recent concerns, I will be asking the Self-Directed Support Reference Group to review the operation of the legislation as part of their work on developing a Self-Directed Support National Strategy. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227234,"EventID":"S3W-20634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce legislation to enforce the tagging of all commercially caught salmon carcasses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce legislation to enforce the tagging of all commercially caught salmon carcasses.","AnswerText":"There are currently no plans to legislate to introduce carcass tagging of commercially caught salmon. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227235,"EventID":"S3W-20635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many tests have been conducted for chlamydia, broken down by (a) age group, (b) gender and (c) NHS board, from January to September in each year since 2006.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many tests have been conducted for chlamydia, broken down by (a) age group, (b) gender and (c) NHS board, from January to September in each year since 2006.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following tables (2007 is the year for which the latest data is available): Genital Chlamydia Infection, Scotland 2006 and 2007; Laboratory Tests by Gender and Age Group | Gender | Age Group | 2006 | 2007 | | Male | 15-24 | 22,203 | 23,865 | | | 25-49 | 27,401 | 28,955 | | | 50+ | 2,583 | 2,783 | | | Total* | 52,187 | 55,603 | | Female | 15-24 | 78,634 | 80,509 | | | 25-49 | 90,288 | 90,160 | | | 50+ | 7,320 | 4,333 | | | Total* | 176,242 | 175,002 | | Total1,2 | 15-24 | 100,837 | 104,374 | | | 25-49 | 117,689 | 119,115 | | | 50+ | 9,903 | 7,116 | | | Total* | 228,429 | 230,605 | Source: Health Protec","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227236,"EventID":"S3W-20636","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many positive tests for chlamydia have been reported, broken down by (a) age group, (b) gender and (c) NHS board, from January to September in each year since 2006.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many positive tests for chlamydia have been reported, broken down by (a) age group, (b) gender and (c) NHS board, from January to September in each year since 2006.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following tables (2007 is the year for which the latest data is available): Genital Chlamydia Infection, Scotland 2006 and 2007; Laboratory Diagnoses by Gender and Age Group | Gender | Age Group | 2006 | 2007 | | Male | 15-24 | 3,927 | 3,970 | | | 25-49 | 2,363 | 2,505 | | | 50+ | 60 | 85 | | | Total* | 6,374 | 6,582 | | Female | 15-24 | 8,892 | 8,655 | | | 25-49 | 2,436 | 2,365 | | | 50+ | 22 | 27 | | | Total* | 11,374 | 11,065 | | Total1 | 15-24 | 12,819 | 12,625 | | | 25-49 | 4,799 | 4,870 | | | 50+ | 82 | 112 | | | Total* | 17,748 | 17,647 | Source: Health Protection Scotland - February 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227237,"EventID":"S3W-20637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what it attributes any changes in the numbers of diagnoses for chlamydia since 2006.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what it attributes any changes in the numbers of diagnoses for chlamydia since 2006.","AnswerText":"Data is only currently available until 2007. The most recent data on positive diagnosis show that in 2006 there were 17,926 diagnoses of genital chlamydia, compared with 17,928 in 2007. There has therefore been no significant change in the number of positive diagnosis since 2006. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227238,"EventID":"S3W-20638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many tests have been conducted for chlamydia, broken down by (a) age group and (b) gender and what proportion of the population this represents, from January to Septe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many tests have been conducted for chlamydia, broken down by (a) age group and (b) gender and what proportion of the population this represents, from January to September in each year since 2006.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table (2007 is the year for which the latest data is available): Genital Chlamydia Infection, Scotland 2006 and 2007; Laboratory Tests and Proportion of Population by Gender and Age Group | Gender | Age Group | 2006 | 2006 | 2007 | 2,007 | | | | Numbers | Proportion of Population* (%) | Numbers | Proportion of Population** (%) | | Male | 15-24 | 22,203 | 6.50 | 23,865 | 6.90 | | | 25-49 | 27,401 | 3.10 | 28,955 | 3.30 | | | 50+ | 2,583 | 0.60 | 2,783 | 0.60 | | | Total*** | 52,187 | 3.10 | 55,603 | 3.30 | | Female | 15-24 | 78,634 | 24 | 80,509 | 24.30 | | | 25-49 | 90,288 | 9.80 <","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227239,"EventID":"S3W-20639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made toward meeting targets on chlamydia testing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made toward meeting targets on chlamydia testing.","AnswerText":"The most recent figures for chlamydia testing published by Health Protection Scotland are for 2007. Data is not yet available showing progress made toward meeting targets on chlamydia testing. NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (NHS QIS) published targets for chlamydia testing in 2008. NHS boards will be audited on achievement of these targets in 2009-10 and annual data collected by Health Protection Scotland will show what progress is being made in moving towards those targets. The first set of figures showing the rate of progress will be for the year 2008-09, which will start to become available in November 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227240,"EventID":"S3W-20640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any research indicating that chlamydia can have an impact on male fertility and, if so, what impact this has on its targets for the testing of men.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any research indicating that chlamydia can have an impact on male fertility and, if so, what impact this has on its targets for the testing of men.","AnswerText":"Human Reproduction and The Lancet medical journals published Swedish research in spring 2008 which stated that there is a robust and independent association between failure to conceive and chlamydia antibodies in men, independent of semen quality. The Scottish Government has been advised however that while chlamydia infection can reduce male fertility, further research is required to determine the actual effect on fertility, as this is not clear. We know that men are less likely to access health services generally. Recent NHS Quality Improvement Scotland Standards on Sexual Health set out a target to increase chlamydia testing in those under 25, and contain a specific target to increase the number of young men being offered a test. Health boards are responsible for putting in place a range of measures which will reach young people in their local area and many are taking innovative approaches to reach young men. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227241,"EventID":"S3W-20641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the known reinfection rate is for chlamydia, broken down by (a) age group, (b) gender and (c) NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the known reinfection rate is for chlamydia, broken down by (a) age group, (b) gender and (c) NHS board.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227242,"EventID":"S3W-20642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to raise awareness of the importance of testing for chlamydia.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to raise awareness of the importance of testing for chlamydia.","AnswerText":"NHS boards, through their Health Promotion Departments, undertake local targeted work on the risks of contracting sexually transmitted infections and on the importance of testing and treatment. In addition the government is in the process of developing a national social marketing campaign which will aim to raise awareness and create a conversation on sexual health generally. This campaign, which will begin in summer 2009, will be supported by a national website and written information encouraging those who may have put themselves at risk of a sexually transmitted infection to be tested. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227243,"EventID":"S3W-20643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken by NHS boards to increase the availability and ease of testing for chlamydia, particularly in relation to young men.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken by NHS boards to increase the availability and ease of testing for chlamydia, particularly in relation to young men.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has published sexual health outcomes for 2008-11. One of these outcomes, being led by NHS boards and local authorities, is the provision of young people''s drop-in services in or near every school in Scotland offering general health advice, Chlamydia testing, pregnancy testing and condoms. The recent Quality Improvement Scotland Standard on sexual health and young people sets out a target to increase chlamydia testing in under 25s. This includes a specific target to increase the number of young men being offered a test. Every young person who visits a sexual health service is asked if they have put themselves at risk and, if so, offered a test. In addition, health boards are responsible for putting in place a range of measures which will reach young people in their local area and many are taking innovative approaches to reach young men, such as postal testing kits which can be given directly to young men or to a young woman to pass on to her partner. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227244,"EventID":"S3W-20644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will track the impact of the extension of chlamydia testing as part of the new community pharmacy contract.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will track the impact of the extension of chlamydia testing as part of the new community pharmacy contract.","AnswerText":"Chlamydia tests undertaken by the NHS are processed by NHS laboratories with statistics on the number of tests and positive diagnoses collated and analysed by Health Protection Scotland. Chlamydia tests which are undertaken as part of the community pharmacy contract will feed into this process and be monitored in the same way. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227245,"EventID":"S3W-20645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4074,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Town Centre Regeneration Fund will be available to local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Town Centre Regeneration Fund will be available to local authorities.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20618 on 26 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227246,"EventID":"S3W-20646","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4074,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Town Centre Regeneration Fund will be distributed among local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Town Centre Regeneration Fund will be distributed among local authorities.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the question S3W-20618 answered on 26 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227247,"EventID":"S3W-20647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4074,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there will be a cap on the amount of Town Centre Regeneration Fund distributed to each local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there will be a cap on the amount of Town Centre Regeneration Fund distributed to each local authority.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20618 on 26 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227248,"EventID":"S3W-20648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4074,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Town Centre Regeneration Fund will be ring-fenced for local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Town Centre Regeneration Fund will be ring-fenced for local authorities.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20618 on 26 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227249,"EventID":"S3W-20649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4074,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether guidance will be issued to local authorities as to how the Town Centre Regeneration Fund should be spent.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether guidance will be issued to local authorities as to how the Town Centre Regeneration Fund should be spent.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20618 on 26 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227250,"EventID":"S3W-20650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4074,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how local traders and trade associations will be able to have an input into how the Town Centre Regeneration Fund is spent.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how local traders and trade associations will be able to have an input into how the Town Centre Regeneration Fund is spent.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20618 on 26 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227251,"EventID":"S3W-20651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19746 by Stewart Stevenson on 28 January 2009, whether it will provide a breakdown by project of the funding allocated to improve t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19746 by Stewart Stevenson on 28 January 2009, whether it will provide a breakdown by project of the funding allocated to improve transport links between North Ayrshire and Glasgow in 2011-12.","AnswerText":"The amounts allocated to improve transport links between North Ayrshire and Glasgow, given in the answer to S3W-19746, can be broken down as follows: | Rail Schemes | 2009-10 | 2010-11 | 2011-12 | | (£ Million) | (£ Million) | (£ Million) | | Ayrshire/Inverclyde train and infrastructure enhancements | 1.19 | 6.10 | 16.11 | | Road Schemes | | | | | A737 Head Street Roundabout | 0.000 | 0.000 | 1.340 | | A737 The Den | 0.000 | 0.044 | 2.100 | | A737 Barrmill Road Roundabout | 0.000 | 0.080 | 3.500 | | Beith Bypass Widening and Maintenance | 1.250 | 0.065 | 0.000 | | Totals | 2.44 | 6.29 | 23.05 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227252,"EventID":"S3W-20652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19420 by Stewart Stevenson on 26 January 2009, how much of the £100 to £250 million estimate for the delivery of the package of mea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19420 by Stewart Stevenson on 26 January 2009, how much of the £100 to £250 million estimate for the delivery of the package of measures within project 22 of the Strategic Transport Projects Review relates to the delivery of the proposed upgrading of the Dalry bypass.","AnswerText":"The costs for the delivery of the package of measures within project 22 reflect the likely range of funding required to deliver this intervention. These costs will be refined as the more detailed design and development work associated with each of these measures moves forward with the aim of reaching a final estimate. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227253,"EventID":"S3W-20653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how local communities will be able to access the Town Centre Regeneration Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how local communities will be able to access the Town Centre Regeneration Fund.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20618 on 26 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227254,"EventID":"S3W-20654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role local authorities will have in relation to the Town Centre Regeneration Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role local authorities will have in relation to the Town Centre Regeneration Fund.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20618 on 26 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227255,"EventID":"S3W-20655","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role the enterprise networks will have in relation to the Town Centre Regeneration Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role the enterprise networks will have in relation to the Town Centre Regeneration Fund.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20618 on 26 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227256,"EventID":"S3W-20656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what conditions will be attached to provision of the Town Centre Regeneration Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what conditions will be attached to provision of the Town Centre Regeneration Fund.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20618 on 26 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227257,"EventID":"S3W-20657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to distribute the Town Centre Regeneration Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to distribute the Town Centre Regeneration Fund.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20618 on 26 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227258,"EventID":"S3W-20658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all cities, towns and villages will be eligible for access to the Town Centre Regeneration Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all cities, towns and villages will be eligible for access to the Town Centre Regeneration Fund.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20618 on 26 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227259,"EventID":"S3W-20659","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will assess the needs of cities, towns and villages in relation to allocations made from the Town Centre Regeneration Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will assess the needs of cities, towns and villages in relation to allocations made from the Town Centre Regeneration Fund.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20618 on 26 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227260,"EventID":"S3W-20660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the Town Centre Regeneration Fund will be available in (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the Town Centre Regeneration Fund will be available in (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11.","AnswerText":"£60 million will be available in 2009-10. We have no current plans for provision in 2010-11. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227261,"EventID":"S3W-20661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20048 by John Swinney on 30 January 2009, what procedures it has put in place to ensure that its accelerated undisputed-invoice pay","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20048 by John Swinney on 30 January 2009, what procedures it has put in place to ensure that its accelerated undisputed-invoice payment target of 10 working days is met by non-departmental public bodies.","AnswerText":"As noted in the response to S3W-20048, the payment target has been communicated to all non departmental public bodies. Public bodies who do not use the Scottish Government''s financial systems are responsible for their own systems and processes and, therefore, for making the necessary changes to ensure that they work towards this target. The Scottish Public Finance Manual has also been updated to reflect the introduction of the target: Annex 1 to the Expenditure and Payments section states that payments by relevant public sector organisations should be made in accordance with the Scottish Government target for the payment of invoices within 10 working days. The SPFM can be found at: www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/Finance/spfm/payments/paymentsannex1. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227262,"EventID":"S3W-20662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20048 by John Swinney on 30 January 2009, what timescale it has set for the implementation of its accelerated undisputed-invoice pa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20048 by John Swinney on 30 January 2009, what timescale it has set for the implementation of its accelerated undisputed-invoice payment target of 10 working days by non-departmental public bodies.","AnswerText":"As noted in the response to S3W-20048, the Scottish Government is committed to supporting business in the current economic situation by paying bills more quickly and the intention is to achieve the target across all public bodies. The target, and the expectation that they will work towards achieving it in as short a timescale as possible, has been communicated to all bodies. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227263,"EventID":"S3W-20663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3750,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to lay before the Parliament the amendment order that will grant permitted development rights for microgeneration on domestic buildings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to lay before the Parliament the amendment order that will grant permitted development rights for microgeneration on domestic buildings.","AnswerText":"I am pleased to announce that the relevant Amendment Order [the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Domestic Microgeneration) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2009] was laid before the Scottish Parliament on Friday 6 February 2009 [SSI 2009/34]. It will now be considered by the Subordinate Legislation Committee and the Local Government and Communities Committee. The Order will enable householders to install certain energy generating equipment, such as solar panels, on their houses or in their gardens without applying for planning permission. Removing the barriers of cost and time will encourage greater uptake of micro-generation equipment, which will increase renewable energy generation and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Removing the barriers will also support the development of the micro-generation industry therefore contributing to the government''s efforts to ensure that Scotland''s planning system increases sustainable economic growth. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227264,"EventID":"S3W-20664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are for the establishment of a new marine management organisation in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are for the establishment of a new marine management organisation in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Following consideration of the responses on the recent consultation exercise on Sustainable Seas for All a Consultation on Scotland''s first Marine Bill and related delivery arrangements, we plan to establish new integrated marine management arrangements for Scotland “ under Marine Scotland as part of the core Scottish Government, as of 1 April. This will enable coherent management of the seas with integration of policy alongside delivery functions, as well as contributing to the Scottish Government''s aim to simplify the public bodies landscape. Our proposals signal our commitment to a step change in marine management arrangements for Scotland. Marine Scotland''s role will be, in partnership with others, to deliver our marine vision of clean, healthy, safe, productive, biologically diverse marine and coastal environments within the overall Government''s purpose of sustainable economic growth. This will include, for example, working closely with bodies such as the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage. It will manage Scotland''s seas for prosperity and environmental sustainability both by leading and working with others and in carrying out its own functions of evidence-based policy development and marine planning, streamlined marine licensing and consenting, sound science and effective compliance monitoring and enforcement. We plan to establish a Marine Strategy Board, to be led by Marine Scotland and involving key partners with marine management interests, to deliver strategic management of Scotland''s seas. Marine Scotland will have direct responsibility for core marine functions, which include both the existing functions of the Marine Directorate, Fisheries Research Services (Marine and Freshwater Fisheries) and Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency, and also planned new functions of marine planning, improved nature conservation measures and better integrated licensing, consents and monitoring arrangements. There is strong support for the establishment of such a body with the largest group to comment on status supporting its establishment within government. It will build on the success of the organisation involved and will enable a strategic approach to marine management. In light of the importance of the new body''s science function we will, as part of the new governance arrangements, also be establishing a Scientific Advisory Board to assure its scientific objectivity and credibility. We will also be developing appropriate appeals mechanisms with an independent element. We believe it is important to establish Marine Scotland quickly so that it can begin the process of integrating and streamlining currently separate functions and processes and so that it will be well placed to deliver new functions and responsibilities, following agreement on new marine legislation, effectively and efficiently. Decisions now about its role, status and establishment will also remove uncertainties for the staff involved, partner organisations and stakeholders and help us to gain the benefits of better integrated, more streamlined arrangements more quickly. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227265,"EventID":"S3W-20665","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2049,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what revenue and capital funds are being made available to NHS boards and Special Health Boards for 2009-10.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what revenue and capital funds are being made available to NHS boards and Special Health Boards for 2009-10.","AnswerText":"NHS boards and Special Health Boards have been given an initial general revenue allocation of £8,257.7 million for 2009-10, an average increase over the equivalent 2008-09 allocation of 3.3%. Details of NHS boards and Special Health Boards initial general revenue allocations for 2009-10 are as follows: | NHS Board | 2009-10 (£ Million) | % Uplift | | NHS Ayrshire and Arran | 557.2 | 3.15% | | NHS Borders | 162.2 | 3.15% | | NHS Dumfries and Galloway | 232.9 | 3.15% | | NHS Fife | 490.3 | 3.81% | | NHS Forth Valley | 383.9 | 3.50% | | NHS Grampian | 660.7 | 3.46% | | NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde | 1,825.0 | 3.15% | | NHS Highland | 469.6 | 3.15% | | NHS Lanarkshire | 777.4 | 3.52% | | NHS Lothian | 987.1 | 3.47% | | NHS Orkney | 30.5 | 3.64% | | NHS Shetland | 35.9 | 3.15% | | NHS Tayside | 578.6 | 3.15% | | NHS Western Isles | 56.6 | 3.15% | | Total | 7,247.9 | 3.33% | ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227266,"EventID":"S3W-20666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) design and (b) contractual capacity is for each prison.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) design and (b) contractual capacity is for each prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The following table details the current design capacity, contracted places, additional available prisoner places and the total prisoner places available in Scotland''s prisons | Prison | Design Capacity | Contracted Places | Additional Available Prisoner Places | Total Places Available for Use | | Aberdeen | 155 | 220 | 0 | 220 | | Addiewell | 700 | 700 | 0 | 700 | | Barlinnie | 1,018 | 962 | 566 | 1,528 | | Cornton Vale | 375 | 375 | 58 | 433 | | Dumfries | 179 | 195 | 0 | 195 | | Edinburgh | 872 | 887 | 65 | 952 | | Glenochil | 670 | 670 | 50 | 720 | | Greenock | 255 | 250 | 50 | 300 | | Inverness | 103 | 130 | 20 | 150 | | Kilmarnock | 500 | Table A. Smoking Prevalence by Age Group - 2007 | Age group | 16-24 | 25-34 | 35-44 | 45-59 | 60-74 | 75+ | All ages | | Percentage | 29.8 | 29.4 | 27.1 | 27.7 | 20.2 | 11.6 | 24.7 | | Bases (sample questioned) | 1,031 | 1,404 | 1,902 | 2,639 | 2,218 | 1,045 | 10,239 | Source: Scottish Household Survey. Table B. Smoking Prevalence - by NHS Board1 - 16+ Years | 2 year sample | 2006-07 | Bases (Sample Questioned) | | Ayrshire and Arran | 23.6 | 726 | | Borders | 20.5 | 209 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 29.0 | 297 | | Fife | 25.1 | 721 | | Forth Valley | 27.4 | 550 | | Grampian | 21.0 | 1,071 | | Greater Glasgow and Clyde | 27.0 | 2,344 | | Highland new | 21.3 | Please note that where the sample sizes are small the numbers should be interpreted with caution. Percentage of Regular Smokers1 by Age Group, 2006, by NHS Board and Council Area of Residence By NHS Board of Residence | | 13 Year Olds | 15 Year Olds | | | % | Base (all pupils) | % | Base (all pupils) | | Scotland | 4 | 11,647 | 15 | 11,072 | | Ayrshire and Arran | 4 | 1,015 | 17 | 928 | | Borders | 5 | 317 | 14 | 348 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 3 | 316 | 17 | 282 | | Eilean Siar | 7 | 109 | 13 | 97 | | Fife | 6 | 275 | 16 | 324 | | Forth Valley | 5 | 497 | 15 | 473 | | Grampian | 3 | 1,406 The 2006 survey provides information on alcohol consumption, at national and local level, for 13 and 15-year-olds. Nationally, it found that 84% of 15-year-olds and 57% of 13-year-olds had had an alcoholic drink. Both represent a decrease on the 2004 results of 88% for 15-year-olds and 68% for 13-year-olds. Our Framework for Action on alcohol misuse outlines the measures we are putting in place to tackle underage drinking and we will be evaluating the success of these through data from SALSUS and other sources such as alcohol related hospital admissions. The 2006 local authority reports are available at: http://www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org/publications/abstracts/salsuslocal_la2006.htm. The results of the 2008 survey will be published later this year. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227270,"EventID":"S3W-20670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2228,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":8,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people under 16 have accessed smoking cessation services since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people under 16 have accessed smoking cessation services since 1999.","AnswerText":"Information on quit attempts made via NHS smoking cessation services is available from the agreed national minimum dataset for cessation services. The national smoking cessation database (the primary data collection mechanism) was established in July 2005. Calendar year 2006 is the first year for which national cessation monitoring data is published. National monitoring is based on clients who set a quit date or make a quit attempt with a cessation service. This will not include persons referred to services or who make initial contact with a service, but who do not go on to set a quit date. Table 1 shows the number of quit attempts made by under 16s using NHS smoking cessation services in Scotland. The 2006 figure does not include data from Greater Glasgow and Clyde (for which data is held on local information systems but is not available centrally). The 2007 figure is all-Scotland. Under 16s account for around 1% of quit attempts made with cessation services. Data for 2008 will be published in May 2009. Table 1: Quit Attempts made with NHS Smoking Cessation Services in Scotland by Under 16s, 2006-07 Calendar Years1 | Year | Number of Quit Attempts by Under 16s | | 2006 | 243 | | 2007 | 316 | Source: ISD Scotland National Smoking Cessation Database; Tayside Pharmacies Database and; Greater Glasgow and Clyde local information systems (2007 data only). Notes: 1. Figures are based on total quit attempts, rather than total number of clients with a quit attempt, so could include repeat quit attempts by the same client. 2. The figure for 2006 does not include data from Greater Glasgow and Clyde (data is held on local information systems but is not available centrally). ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227271,"EventID":"S3W-20671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2228,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":8,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people under 16 have successfully completed smoking cessation services since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people under 16 have successfully completed smoking cessation services since 1999.","AnswerText":"Information on quit attempts made via NHS smoking cessation services is available from the agreed national minimum dataset for cessation services. The national smoking cessation database (the primary data collection mechanism) was established in July 2005. Calendar year 2006 is the first year for which national cessation monitoring data is published. National monitoring is based on clients who set a quit date/make a quit attempt with a cessation service. This will not include persons referred to services or who make initial contact with a service, but who do not go on to set a quit date. Table 1 shows the number of quit attempts made by under 16s using NHS smoking cessation services in Scotland and the outcomes of those quit attempts. The 2006 figures do not include data for Greater Glasgow and Clyde (for which data is held on local information systems but is not available centrally). The 2007 quit attempt figures are all-Scotland, but quit outcomes data for Greater Glasgow and Clyde are not available centrally, so all of these cases are noted as an outcome of smoking status not known, creating an increase in the not known grouping in 2007. Data for 2008 will be published in May 2009. Table 1: Quit Attempts1 made with NHS Smoking Cessation Services in Scotland by Under 16s, 2006-07 Calendar Years | | 2006 | 2007 | | Number of quit attempts by under 16s | 243 | 316 | | Of which | | | | Outcome known: | 138 | 110 | | Successfully quit at 1 month post quit date2 | 26 | 38 | | Outcome at 1 month post quit date “ still smoking | 112 | 72 | | Outcome not known3 | 105 | 206 | Source: ISD Scotland National Smoking Cessation Database; Tayside Pharmacies Database and; Greater Glasgow and Clyde local information systems (2007 data only). Notes: 1. Figures are based on total quit attempts, rather than total number of clients with a quit attempt, so could include repeat quit attempts by the same client. 2. Based on self-reported not smoked, even a puff, in the last two weeks. 3. Outcome not known includes clients lost to follow-up at one month or no consent to follow-up. In 2007, centrally held data for Greater Glasgow and Clyde did not include outcome data, so quit attempts for these services will be recorded as an outcome of smoking status not known. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227272,"EventID":"S3W-20672","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2228,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":8,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people under 16 can be classified as regular drug-users, broken down by (a) age and (b) local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people under 16 can be classified as regular drug-users, broken down by (a) age and (b) local authority.","AnswerText":"Information on drug use by under-16s in Scotland is not centrally collected in the manner requested. The frequency of reported drug use of 13 and 15 year olds (S2 and S4 pupils) in Scotland is collected by the Scottish Schools Adolescent Lifestyle and Substance Use Survey (SALSUS). The most recent information available was collected in 2006. Frequency of drug use, as reported by 13 and 15-year-olds, Scotland 2006: | | Never Tried Any Drugs | Only Tried Drugs Once | Don''t Take Them Now | A Few Times a Year | Once or Twice a Month | At Least Once a Week | Most Days | | 13 year olds | 93% | 4% | 1% | 1% | 1% | 0% | 1% | | 15 year olds | 75% | 10% | 5% | 4% | 4% | 2% | 2% | Note: Due to rounding, percentages may not add up to 100%. Frequency of drug use, as reported by 13 year olds, by council area of residence, Scotland 2006: | 13-Year-Olds | Never Tried any Drugs | Only tried Drugs Once | Don''t Take them Now | A Few Times a Year | Once or Twice a Month | At Least Once a Week | | Aberdeen City | 95% | 3% | 1% | * | 1% | 1% | | Aberdeenshire | 98% | 1% | 1% | * | * | * | | Angus | 99% ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227273,"EventID":"S3W-20673","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many deaths per 1,000 of population were attributable to (a) alcohol and (b) other substance misuse in the last 12 months, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many deaths per 1,000 of population were attributable to (a) alcohol and (b) other substance misuse in the last 12 months, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The most recent deaths data currently available is for 2007. The information requested is given in the following tables: a. Deaths per 1,000 population attributable to alcohol, 2007. | Area | Alcohol-Related Deaths | Rate Per 1,000 | | Scotland | 1,399 | 0.3 | | Ayrshire and Arran | 86 | 0.2 | | Borders | 23 | 0.2 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 28 | 0.2 | | Fife | 79 | 0.2 | | Forth Valley | 63 | 0.2 | | Grampian | 105 | 0.2 | | Greater Glasgow and Clyde | 465 | 0.4 | | Highland | 99 | 0.3 | | Lanarkshire | 174 | 0.3 | | Lothian | 172 | 0.2 | | Orkney | 7 | 0.4 | | Shetland | 6 | 0.3 | | Tayside | 86 | 0.2 | | Western Isles | 6 | 0.2 | Source GRO(S). b. Drug related deaths per 1,000 of population, 2007 | Area | Drug-Related Deaths | Rate per 1,000 | | Scotland | 455 | 0.1 | <","AnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227274,"EventID":"S3W-20674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of deaths was attributable to (a) alcohol and (b) other substance misuse in the last 12 months, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of deaths was attributable to (a) alcohol and (b) other substance misuse in the last 12 months, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The most recent deaths data currently available is for 2007. The information requested is given in the following tables: Table a. Proportion of Deaths Attributable to Alcohol, 2007 | Area | Alcohol-Related Deaths | All Deaths | Percentage | | Scotland | 1,399 | 55,986 | 2.5% | | Ayrshire and Arran | 86 | 4,459 | 1.9% | | Borders | 23 | 1,299 | 1.8% | | Dumfries and Galloway | 28 | 1,866 | 1.5% | | Fife | 79 | 3,780 | 2.1% | | Forth Valley | 63 | 2,986 | 2.1% | | Grampian | 105 | 5,322 | 2.0% | | Greater Glasgow and Clyde | 465 | 13,704 | 3.4% | | Highland | 99 | 3,551 | 2.8% | | Lanarkshire | 174 | 6,192 | 2.8% | | Lothian | 172 | 7,487 | 2.3% | | Orkney | 7 | 255 | 2.7% | | Shetland | 6 | 209 | 2.9% | | Ta","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227275,"EventID":"S3W-20675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, of the deaths caused by substance misuse in NHS (a) Grampian and (b) Tayside hospitals in 2007, what substances were identified as the cause of death.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, of the deaths caused by substance misuse in NHS (a) Grampian and (b) Tayside hospitals in 2007, what substances were identified as the cause of death.","AnswerText":"The numbers of drug-related deaths in NHS Grampian and in NHS Tayside in 2007 were less than five in both cases. To protect the identities of the individuals involved, the exact numbers have not been disclosed. Substances identified in drug-related deaths in NHS Grampian included combinations of methadone, benzodiazepine, diazepam, alcohol, opiate, morphine, diamorphine. Substances identified in drug-related deaths in NHS Tayside included combinations of amphetamine, diamorphine, alcohol and an unspecified drug. In those cases where more than one substance was identified, it was not possible to say which substance, or which combination substances, caused the death. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227276,"EventID":"S3W-20676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-10012 by Shona Robison on 29 February 2008, how many deaths in NHS (a) Grampian and (b) Tayside hospitals in 2007 were drug-related","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-10012 by Shona Robison on 29 February 2008, how many deaths in NHS (a) Grampian and (b) Tayside hospitals in 2007 were drug-related and, of these, how many were of people aged (i) under 18, (ii) 18 to 29, (iii) 30 to 55 and (iv) over 55.","AnswerText":"The most recent deaths data currently available is for 2007, Source GRO(S). The total numbers of drug-related deaths in NHS Grampian and in NHS Tayside in 2007 were less than five in both cases. To protect the identities of the individuals involved, the exact numbers have not been disclosed. The highest numbers of drug related deaths were in the 30 to 55 age group. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227277,"EventID":"S3W-20677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-10011 by Shona Robison on 29 February 2008, how many deaths in NHS (a) Grampian and (b) Tayside hospitals in 2007 were alcohol-rela","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-10011 by Shona Robison on 29 February 2008, how many deaths in NHS (a) Grampian and (b) Tayside hospitals in 2007 were alcohol-related and, of these, how many were of people aged (i) under 18, (ii) 18 to 29, (iii) 30 to 55 and (iv) over 55.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the following table. Alcohol-Related Deaths in NHS Grampian and Tayside Hospitals in 2007 | Age Group | All Ages | Under 18 | 18-29 | 30-55 | Over 55 | | Health Board | | | | | | | Grampian | 63 | - | - | 26 | 37 | | Tayside | 35 | - | - | 17 | 18 | Source: GRO(S). ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227278,"EventID":"S3W-20678","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people suffered an injury as a result of (a) alcohol and (b) other substance abuse in NHS (i) Grampian and (ii) Tayside hospitals in the 12 months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people suffered an injury as a result of (a) alcohol and (b) other substance abuse in NHS (i) Grampian and (ii) Tayside hospitals in the 12 months.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to identify how many people suffered an injury as a result of alcohol or other substance abuse, from centrally held information. From acute hospital discharges it is possible to supply information on people who were admitted with both an injury diagnosis and an alcohol or other substance abuse diagnosis. However, this will only show an association and cannot quantify to what extent the alcohol/substance abuse has contributed to the injury. It will also not include patients treated in other settings, such as accident and emergency or out-patients. Tables 1 and 2 present this information for NHS Grampian and NHS Tayside. Other substance abuse has been defined as a drug related diagnosis. Table 1: General acute in-patient discharges1,2,3 with both an alcohol-related diagnosis and an injury diagnosis, in any position, from hospitals in NHS Grampian and NHS Tayside Health Board of treatment; 2007-08P: | Financial Year | Grampian | Tayside | | 2007-08 | 1,l014 | 445 | PProvisional. Source: ISD Scotland (SMR01). Notes: 1. Excludes mental illness hospitals, psychiatric units and maternity hospitals. Transfer cases have been excluded. 2. Discharges where an injury diagnosis and alcohol-related diagnosis are recorded in primary or secondary reasons for admission to hospital. 3. Figures in this table relate only to those individuals who are treated as in-patients in an acute hospital. They do not include individuals managed as out-patients. Table 2: General acute in-patient discharges1,2,3 with both a drug-related diagnosis and an injury diagnosis, in any position, from hospitals in NHS Grampian and NHS Tayside Health Board of treatment; 2007-08P: | Financial Year | Grampian | Tayside | | 2007-08 | 95 | 24 | PProvisional. Source ISD Scotland (SMR01). Notes: 1. Excludes mental illness hospitals, psychiatric units and maternity hospitals. Transfer cases have been excluded. 2. Discharges where an injury diagnosis and a drug-related diagnosis are recorded in primary or secondary reasons for admission to hospital. 3. Figures in this table relate only to those individuals who are treated as in-patients in an acute hospital. They do not include individuals managed as out-patients. Caution is necessary when interpreting these figures. The recording of drug-related problems may vary from hospital to hospital. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227279,"EventID":"S3W-20679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many breaches to bail orders were recorded by Grampian Police in 2006-07.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many breaches to bail orders were recorded by Grampian Police in 2006-07.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of bail offences recorded in Grampian in 2006-07. Bail Offences Recorded in Grampian, by Local Authority, 2006-07 | Local Authority | Failing to Appear for Trial having been given Court Bail | Bail Offences other than Absconding/Re-Offending | Total | | Aberdeen City | - | 232 | 232 | | Aberdeenshire | - | 181 | 181 | | Moray | - | 182 | 182 | | All Grampian | - | 595 | 595 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227280,"EventID":"S3W-20680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it spent on bail supervision in 2007-08 and how much it has budgeted for 2008-09 and 2009-10.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it spent on bail supervision in 2007-08 and how much it has budgeted for 2008-09 and 2009-10.","AnswerText":"In the 2007-08 financial year, grant funding of £1.23 million under section 27 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 was allocated to the Community Justice Authorities (CJAs) for bail information and supervision services. The annual accounts for 2007-08 for the CJAs record actual spend of £1.15 million on provision by local authorities of these services. The Scottish Government has allocated £1.74 million in the 2008-09 and 2009-10 financial years to CJAs for bail information and supervision services. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227281,"EventID":"S3W-20681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much bail supervision costs per person per day.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much bail supervision costs per person per day.","AnswerText":"Grant funding provided by the Scottish Government under section 27 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 covers delivery of both bail information and supervision services. Information specific to bail supervision is not held in the manner requested. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227282,"EventID":"S3W-20682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were subject to bail supervision orders in 2006-07.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were subject to bail supervision orders in 2006-07.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of people subject to bail supervision orders in 2006-07 is shown in table 1.1 of the Criminal Justice Social Work Statistics, 2007-08 bulletin. This can be found on the Scottish Government website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/12/09091001/0. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227283,"EventID":"S3W-20683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were subject to bail supervision orders in 2007-08.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were subject to bail supervision orders in 2007-08.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of people subject to bail supervision orders is shown in table 1.1 of the Criminal Justice Social Work Statistics, 2007-08 bulletin. This can be found on the Scottish Government website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/12/09091001/0. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227284,"EventID":"S3W-20684","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were held on remand in 2006-07, broken down by police board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were held on remand in 2006-07, broken down by police board area.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The SPS hold all remand prisoners. The average number of remands held by SPS on a daily basis between 1 April 2006 and 31 March 2007 was 1,379. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227285,"EventID":"S3W-20685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were held on remand in 2007-08, broken down by police board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were held on remand in 2007-08, broken down by police board area.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows: The SPS hold all remand prisoners. The average number of remands held by SPS on a daily basis between 1 April 2007 and 31 March 2008 was 1,368. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227286,"EventID":"S3W-20686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it costs per day to hold a person on remand.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it costs per day to hold a person on remand.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows: The SPS does not record the costs broken down between Remand and Convicted prisoner numbers. The annual average cost of a prisoner place is in the SPS Annual Report and Accounts for 2007-08, copies of which are available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 45921), or via the Scottish Prison Service website http://www.sps.gov.uk/. This informs that the cost per prisoner place, calculated on a resource accounting basis (including capital charges), in 2007-08 was £41,470. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227287,"EventID":"S3W-20687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2030,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote the policy and practice guidance for service commissioners for people on the autistic spectrum that was produced in April 2008.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote the policy and practice guidance for service commissioners for people on the autistic spectrum that was produced in April 2008.","AnswerText":"The policy and practice guidance for commissioners of services for people on the autism spectrum was distributed widely across all local authorities to social work and housing departments. It was also sent to all health boards and Community Health Partnership managers. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227288,"EventID":"S3W-20688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2030,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the Autism Spectrum Disorder Reference Group having ended its tenure, what plans it has to consult, involve and meet the needs of people on the autistic spec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the Autism Spectrum Disorder Reference Group having ended its tenure, what plans it has to consult, involve and meet the needs of people on the autistic spectrum.","AnswerText":"Implementation of The same as you? review of learning disability services continues to involve people on the autism spectrum with or without a learning disability. People on the autism spectrum and carers are also fully involved in the national work to take forward the recommendations of the Disability Rights Commission on Independent Living. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227289,"EventID":"S3W-20689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2030,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19933 by Adam Ingram on 30 January 2009, what actions it will take to ensure that children’s and adults’ services in local authorit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19933 by Adam Ingram on 30 January 2009, what actions it will take to ensure that children’s and adults’ services in local authorities work effectively together to share information and plan services for young people with autism who are approaching adulthood.","AnswerText":"As set out in the answer to question S3W-19933 on 30 January 2009, the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 requires education authorities to take action, where appropriate, to help young people with additional support needs, including autism, to make the transition from school to post-school life successfully. Under the definition employed in the act, an education authority encompasses a local authority as a whole, including its children''s and adults'' services. As detailed in that earlier reply we have taken action on a number of fronts to strengthen transition pathways and improve life outcomes for all young people with autism. In addition, initiatives to improve information sharing and service planning for all children and young people under the Getting it right for every child programme and following the publication of the Early Years Framework will help in relation to children and young people affected by autism, as in relation to all children. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Adam Ingram","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227290,"EventID":"S3W-20690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2030,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to ensure that local authorities and community health partnerships plan appropriate and effective services to ensure that adults with autism do not fall in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to ensure that local authorities and community health partnerships plan appropriate and effective services to ensure that adults with autism do not fall into any gap between mental health and learning disabilities services.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has published and disseminated guidance for commissioners of services for people on the autism spectrum in local authorities and health boards, which sets out recommendations for planning appropriate services. The Scottish Government is also reviewing its guidance for Community Health Partnerships on addressing the needs of people with learning disabilities and people with autism spectrum disorders. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227291,"EventID":"S3W-20691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2030,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that children with autism and their parents are fully involved in the planning and provision of appropriate education and support.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that children with autism and their parents are fully involved in the planning and provision of appropriate education and support.","AnswerText":"Under the Education (Additional Support for Learning)(Scotland) Act 2004 (the 2004 Act), education authorities have a duty to actively seek and take account of the views of children with additional support needs, including autism, and those of their parents. This strengthens children''s rights to be involved in the planning and provision of appropriate education and support. Guidance to education authorities on implementing these duties successfully is provided in the supporting children''s learning code of practice. The Scottish Government also provides substantial funding to support Enquire whose key aims include outreach work to support effective implementation of the 2004 act and to look at new improved ways to raise awareness of parental and children''s rights including an increased involvement in educational planning and provision. The 2006 Parental Involvement Act requires education authorities to draw up a strategy to involve parents in their child''s education. The guidance to this act states that education authorities should make clear links and build on their duties to parents under the 2004 Act. The Scottish Government will publish shortly The Autism Toolbox. This training and information resource will support teachers in schools and assist education authorities to plan services more effectively. It includes a specific focus on support for practitioners to better work in partnership with parents and families to ensure the best possible outcomes for all children with autism. The Scottish Government has published guidance for commissioners of health and social care services for people with autism which recommends that local authorities and health boards work in partnership to involve people with autism in planning services. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Adam Ingram","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227292,"EventID":"S3W-20692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times between the age of 15 months and five years a child’s weight is recorded by an NHS professional.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times between the age of 15 months and five years a child’s weight is recorded by an NHS professional.","AnswerText":" The Scottish Universal Core Programme recommends the recording of a child''s weight within the first 24 hours of life, at 10 days, and six to eight weeks, at two, three, four and 13 months, at three to five years and at entry to primary school. Although there may be additional measurements taken between three to five years, there is no formal reporting process. Practitioners should provide clinical advice based on the weight measurement when appropriate. Weight is formally recorded and reported as part of P1 CHSP (Child Health Systems Programme “ School) http://www.isdscotland.org/isd/3640.html. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227293,"EventID":"S3W-20693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of primary seven children has had body mass index (BMI) measured on a three yearly basis, as recommended in Health for All Children 4: Guidance on Impleme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of primary seven children has had body mass index (BMI) measured on a three yearly basis, as recommended in Health for All Children 4: Guidance on Implementation in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Health for All Children (Hall 4) guidance recommends that BMI be recorded in primary 7 children every three years for public health monitoring purposes from 2007-08. There is no requirement for this to be monitored by the Scottish Government and these are not official statistics and are not routinely released for publication. Information on body mass index (BMI), derived from height and weight measurements recorded in primary seven, is available for NHS boards which use the Child Health School system (CHSP-S) and routinely collect BMI measurement. Data for school years 2007-08 are shown in the following table. Table 1: Recording of Height and Weight in Primary Seven | Total (all NHS Boards participating in CHSP - School)1,2, | 2007-08 | | Population estimate of 11-year-olds | 40,339 | | Number of children who had their height and weight recorded3 | 9,883 | | Estimated percentage of children who had their height and weight recorded4 | 24.5% | Source: ISD Scotland, CHSP-S Nov 2008 and General Register Office for Scotland (GROS) Ref: IR2009-00320. Notes: 1. Data are not available for the following NHS boards: NHS Grampian, former NHS Greater Glasgow, NHS Highland, NHS Orkney and NHS Shetland. 2. For the period shown, the school system was not implemented in all areas of former NHS Argyll and Clyde. 3. A proportion of the height and weight measurements recorded on CHSP-School may be invalid. 4. The GRO mid-year population estimate of 11-year-olds has been used to approximate the number of children in primary seven in the NHS boards participating in CHSP “ School. BMI statistics were recorded for primary 7 children and published until 2004-05. This information is available from the following link. http://www.isdscotland.org/isd/3640.html. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227294,"EventID":"S3W-20694","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which budget line will be changed in 2010-11 to pay for the £60 million Town Centre Regeneration Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which budget line will be changed in 2010-11 to pay for the £60 million Town Centre Regeneration Fund.","AnswerText":"The Draft Budget for 2010-11 will be published in September 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227295,"EventID":"S3W-20695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when details of its planned 2010-11 budget changes to pay for the £60 million Town Centre Regeneration Fund will be available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when details of its planned 2010-11 budget changes to pay for the £60 million Town Centre Regeneration Fund will be available.","AnswerText":"The Draft Budget for 2010-11 will be published in September 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227296,"EventID":"S3W-20696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when details of the Town Centre Regeneration Fund, including its method of implementation, will be available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when details of the Town Centre Regeneration Fund, including its method of implementation, will be available.","AnswerText":"Full details of the Town Centre Regeneration Fund will be announced by the end of March 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227297,"EventID":"S3W-20697","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the roll-out across Scotland of the £60 million Town Centre Regeneration Fund will (a) begin and (b) be completed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the roll-out across Scotland of the £60 million Town Centre Regeneration Fund will (a) begin and (b) be completed.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20618 on 26 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227298,"EventID":"S3W-20698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail how the Town Centre Regeneration Fund will be rolled out across Scotland, including (a) funding stream, (b) method of allocation and (c) prioritisa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail how the Town Centre Regeneration Fund will be rolled out across Scotland, including (a) funding stream, (b) method of allocation and (c) prioritisation.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20618 on 26 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227299,"EventID":"S3W-20699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it will give, and to whom, on the utilisation of resources under the Town Centre Regeneration Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it will give, and to whom, on the utilisation of resources under the Town Centre Regeneration Fund.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20618 on 26 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227300,"EventID":"S3W-20700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Town Centre Regeneration Fund will be available to all towns and local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Town Centre Regeneration Fund will be available to all towns and local authorities.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20618 on 26 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227301,"EventID":"S3W-20701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how towns and local authorities across Scotland will receive funding under the Town Centre Regeneration Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how towns and local authorities across Scotland will receive funding under the Town Centre Regeneration Fund.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20618 on 26 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227302,"EventID":"S3W-20702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding will be required for 7,800 extra modern apprenticeships and from where this funding will be found.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding will be required for 7,800 extra modern apprenticeships and from where this funding will be found.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has identified the sum of £16 million to fund the additional modern apprenticeships next year. This initiative will be funded by increases in non-domestic rate income as identified by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227303,"EventID":"S3W-20703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether 7,800 extra modern apprenticeships will be paid for through the accelerated capital expenditure programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether 7,800 extra modern apprenticeships will be paid for through the accelerated capital expenditure programme.","AnswerText":"No, capital budgets cannot be used to fund current expenditure. The additional £16 million will be provided to Skills Development Scotland who will offer the modern apprenticeship places. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227304,"EventID":"S3W-20704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether future budgets will have to be changed to pay for 7,800 extra modern apprenticeships and, if so, which budget lines will be changed and in which years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether future budgets will have to be changed to pay for 7,800 extra modern apprenticeships and, if so, which budget lines will be changed and in which years.","AnswerText":"Any new funding required to support additional modern apprenticeships after next financial year will be considered as part of the standard Scottish Budget process. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227305,"EventID":"S3W-20705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the commitment by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth to “work with relevant partners to arrange the roll-out” of the Town Centre Regener","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the commitment by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth to “work with relevant partners to arrange the roll-out” of the Town Centre Regeneration Fund (Official Report c. 14406), which partners will be involved.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has engaged widely to clarify the key opportunities for regeneration and growth of our town centres. We will continue to engage as we finalise the detail of the Fund and move towards roll out. For example, my officials have invited the Town Centres and Local High Streets Learning Network External Advisory group to a meeting next week to discuss the fund. Members of the group include COSLA, the Federation of Small Businesses, the Scottish Retail Consortium, the Association of Town Centre Managers, Architecture and Design Scotland, the Royal Town Planning Institute, and VisitScotland. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227306,"EventID":"S3W-20706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with relevant partners concerning the roll-out of the town centre regeneration fund; which partners were involved, and when these discussions ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with relevant partners concerning the roll-out of the town centre regeneration fund; which partners were involved, and when these discussions took place.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has engaged with a wide range of stakeholders to consider the key challenges facing our town centres and the action that might be taken to promote their regeneration and growth. Discussions have taken place with local government, private sector and community representatives including COSLA, the Scottish Retail Consortium, the Federation of Small Businesses and Business Improvement District Managers. Along with previous engagement, the Town Centres and Local High Streets Learning Network was launched on 12 February. This provided delegates (including Local Authority staff, private sector representatives, town centre managers and community representatives) an opportunity to feedback their thoughts and suggestions in relation to the management and distribution of the fund. Decisions on the roll out of the new Town Centre Regeneration Fund are being informed by these discussions. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227307,"EventID":"S3W-20707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been any change in its support for the UK-wide modern ports policy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been any change in its support for the UK-wide modern ports policy.","AnswerText":"Modern Ports - A UK Policy continues to provide the framework for devolved ports policy in Scotland. The policy is based on a market-driven approach to ports investment and funding and recognises the diverse nature of the ports sector in Scotland. http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/shippingports/ports/modern/modernportsaukpolicy. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227308,"EventID":"S3W-20708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, given its previous support for the modern ports policy and the incremental growth of existing port facilities, what evidence it took into account when favouring the deve","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, given its previous support for the modern ports policy and the incremental growth of existing port facilities, what evidence it took into account when favouring the development of a new port facility rather than the expansion of existing ports.","AnswerText":"Scottish Government Policy does not favour the development of new ports over the expansion of existing ports. UK ports policy does not prevent the development of new port facilities, and it identifies the need for modernised facilities. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227309,"EventID":"S3W-20709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria were used to inform its decision that there is a need for a new port to supplement the existing container capacity.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria were used to inform its decision that there is a need for a new port to supplement the existing container capacity.","AnswerText":"Schemes for port development are market driven, in accordance with UK policy. Nationally important developments which provide opportunities to supplement existing container capacity are the Grangemouth Freight Hub, Rosyth International Container Terminal, the Scapa Flow Transhipment Facility and the Hunterston Transhipment Hub. These projects have been selected for designation in the National Planning Framework as national developments on the basis of an assessment against the criteria announced to Parliament on 13 September 2007. The criteria for designating national developments are listed in the National Planning Framework 2 Participation Statement, available on the Government''s website: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/planning/National-Planning-Policy/themes/npf/NPF-PS. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227310,"EventID":"S3W-20710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, prior to designating Port Babcock in Rosyth as a national development in the National Planning Framework for Scotland 2, what methodology was used to assess the size of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, prior to designating Port Babcock in Rosyth as a national development in the National Planning Framework for Scotland 2, what methodology was used to assess the size of the increase needed in container capacity.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers to questions S3W-20709 and S3W-20711 on 2 March 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227311,"EventID":"S3W-20711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when research to assess the size of the increase needed in container capacity used to justify the proposal for a new port was undertaken and by whom.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when research to assess the size of the increase needed in container capacity used to justify the proposal for a new port was undertaken and by whom.","AnswerText":"No such research has been undertaken by the Scottish Government. It is for the ports industry to respond to anticipated demand based on market conditions and commercial considerations. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227312,"EventID":"S3W-20712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projected size of increase in container capacity was used to justify the proposal for a new port.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projected size of increase in container capacity was used to justify the proposal for a new port.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers to questions S3W-20109 and S3W-20711 on 2 March 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227313,"EventID":"S3W-20713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what evidence it disregarded the advice of the UK Government’s Ports Policy Division recommending that Rosyth should not become a national development","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what evidence it disregarded the advice of the UK Government’s Ports Policy Division recommending that Rosyth should not become a national development","AnswerText":"We have received no representations from the UK Government on the status of Rosyth. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227314,"EventID":"S3W-20714","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what alternative locations were considered for additional container capacity to meet the perceived shortfall and what criteria were used to select the specific location o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what alternative locations were considered for additional container capacity to meet the perceived shortfall and what criteria were used to select the specific location of the proposed Port Babcock in Rosyth.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20709 on 2 March 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. The approved Fife Structure Plan establishes the principle of port-related uses at Rosyth. The Fife Structure Plan can be found on the Fife Council website at: http://www.fifedirect.org.uk/atoz/index.cfm?fuseaction=advice.display&adviceid=4674DC97-B5C6-7C32-FC5A8914D47330C4. The Rosyth International Container Terminal was selected for designation as a national development on the basis of an assessment against the criteria announced to Parliament on 13 September 2007. The criteria for designating national developments are listed in the national Planning Framework 2 participation Statement, available on the government''s website: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/planning/National-Planning-Policy/themes/npf/NPF-PS. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227315,"EventID":"S3W-20715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why alternative locations for additional container capacity were not identified in the National Planning Framework for Scotland 2 Strategic Environmental Assessment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why alternative locations for additional container capacity were not identified in the National Planning Framework for Scotland 2 Strategic Environmental Assessment.","AnswerText":"The candidate national developments considered in the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the National Planning Framework 2 were proposals put forward by stakeholders which were sufficiently specified to allow a meaningful assessment to be undertaken. Elements of several of these proposals addressed the provision of additional container capacity. Guidance on SEA states that artificially constructed alternatives are unlikely to be reasonable for the purposes of assessment, as in most cases there would be no prospect of delivery. The National Planning Framework 2 Environmental Report and associated annexes are available on the Scottish Government''s website: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/planning/National-Planning-Policy/themes/npf. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227316,"EventID":"S3W-20716","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what alternative locations for additional container capacity were considered in formulating the National Planning Framework for Scotland 2 Strategic Environmental Assessm","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what alternative locations for additional container capacity were considered in formulating the National Planning Framework for Scotland 2 Strategic Environmental Assessment.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20715 on 2 March 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227317,"EventID":"S3W-20717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reasons the expansion of Grangemouth, Scotland’s largest container port, was not explored thoroughly before the designation of a new port in Rosyth.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reasons the expansion of Grangemouth, Scotland’s largest container port, was not explored thoroughly before the designation of a new port in Rosyth.","AnswerText":"The designation of the Grangemouth Freight Hub as a national development in the Proposed National Planning Framework 2 supports the further development of port and freight-related activities at Grangemouth. The principle of port-related uses at Rosyth is already established by the approved Fife Structure Plan which can be found on the Fife Council website at: http://www.fifedirect.org.uk/atoz/index.cfm?fuseaction=advice.display&adviceid=4674dc97-b5c6-7c32-fc5a8914d47330c4. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227318,"EventID":"S3W-20718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will prioritise the infrastructure projects required to enable the national developments, in particular the upgrading of road and rail connections serving Grangemo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will prioritise the infrastructure projects required to enable the national developments, in particular the upgrading of road and rail connections serving Grangemouth and Rosyth, as proposed in the Strategic Transport Projects Review.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-18930 on 8 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227319,"EventID":"S3W-20719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the independent review team (IRT) into the Clostridium difficile related deaths at the Vale of Leven Hospital has now completed its follow-up review of the progre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the independent review team (IRT) into the Clostridium difficile related deaths at the Vale of Leven Hospital has now completed its follow-up review of the progress made by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde in implementing the seven recommendations contained in the IRT’s original report from August 2008 and what the outcome was.","AnswerText":"The independent review team, including a patient and family representative, has now concluded its follow up review and its findings are published today. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227320,"EventID":"S3W-20720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients were prescribed antidepressant drugs in the last 12 months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients were prescribed antidepressant drugs in the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. The information currently available on prescribing of antidepressants can be found on the ISD website: http://www.isdscotland.org/isd/information-and-statistics.jsp?pContentID=3671&p_applic=CCC&p_service=Content.show&. We have a published target to reduce the levels of antidepressant prescribing in Scotland and action continues to expand accessible alternatives to prescribing in those cases where this is appropriate. The clinician in consultation with colleagues and the service user will continue in all cases to decide the best care option for the needs presented. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227321,"EventID":"S3W-20721","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the proportion of patients prescribed antidepressant drugs in Scotland compared with the rest of the United Kingdom.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the proportion of patients prescribed antidepressant drugs in Scotland compared with the rest of the United Kingdom.","AnswerText":"We do not have information on the proportion of patients prescribed antidepressants in Scotland, nor is this available for the rest of the United Kingdom. We have a published target to reduce the levels of antidepressant prescribing in Scotland and action continues to expand accessible alternatives to prescribing in those cases where this is appropriate. The clinician in consultation with colleagues and the service user will continue in all cases to decide the best care option for the needs presented. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227322,"EventID":"S3W-20722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the treatment of depression and other mental health illnesses should, in the first instance, focus on lifestyle changes rather than medication.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the treatment of depression and other mental health illnesses should, in the first instance, focus on lifestyle changes rather than medication.","AnswerText":"No. Treatment of depression and other mental illnesses should be based on a clinical assessment of needs and should include medication, therapies, or lifestyle changes as appropriate to the circumstances of the individual. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227323,"EventID":"S3W-20723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the treatment of depression and other mental health illnesses should, in the first instance, be treated by methods other than prescribed drugs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the treatment of depression and other mental health illnesses should, in the first instance, be treated by methods other than prescribed drugs.","AnswerText":"Our objective continues to provide the best and widest treatment options for the service user and clinician in each case. The treatment of depression and other mental illnesses should be based on a clinical assessment of needs and should include medication, therapies or life style changes as appropriate to the circumstances of the individual. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227324,"EventID":"S3W-20724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that lifestyle advisors should be more involved in the treatment of depression.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that lifestyle advisors should be more involved in the treatment of depression.","AnswerText":"We are committed to supporting people with depression and we recognise that there is good evidence that people respond to a range of different treatments, including medication, therapies, or lifestyle changes, offered in a range of different ways and appropriate to need. Along with our partners in NHS 24 and NHS boards across Scotland, we have made significant investments in increasing access to psychological therapies and in ensuring screening and appropriate treatment and support via Keep Well health checks. We have also produced guidance on promoting the physical health of those experiencing mental health problems and separate guidance for primary and community care teams on using social prescribing in offering non medical sources of support, through leisure, welfare, education, culture, employment, debt /benefits and other advice. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227325,"EventID":"S3W-20725","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a strategy to tackle depression.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a strategy to tackle depression.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to providing appropriate care and treatment to those who suffer from depression in line with national clinical guidelines. This is supported by work to put in place integrated care pathways for depression that meet the standards established by NHS Quality Improvement Scotland; the commitment to increase access to psychological therapies in Scotland in line with the evidence base for effective interventions; screening for depression for those with coronary heart disease and diabetes and appropriate treatment; access to online and telephone based cognitive behavioural therapy and self-help for depression; promotion of physical activity as both a treatment for depression to reduce the risk of developing depression, and our target of increasing the range of non-pharmacological responses to depression to reduce reliance on anti-depressants. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227326,"EventID":"S3W-20726","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people under 18 have been detained in police cells for (a) one and (b) more than one night in each of the last three years, broken down by (i) police force and (","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people under 18 have been detained in police cells for (a) one and (b) more than one night in each of the last three years, broken down by (i) police force and (ii) age.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of people detained in police cells is not held centrally. However it should be noted that people who are detained by the Police under Section 14 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act can only be detained for a maximum of six hours. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227327,"EventID":"S3W-20727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the longest period of detention was while awaiting a place in (a) secure accommodation and (b) an adult prison or young offenders institution in each of the last thr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the longest period of detention was while awaiting a place in (a) secure accommodation and (b) an adult prison or young offenders institution in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"(a) A sentenced child may be temporarily held in a young offenders'' institution if at the time of sentencing by the court there is no place available in secure accommodation. The longest period that a sentenced child has been detained in these circumstances is: 2006 “ 1 day 2007 “ nil 2008 “ 24 days. The period of 24 days in 2008 was due to the closure of one of the secure units which resulted in a temporary loss of 30 places in the secure estate. It is the joint responsibility of local authorities and Scottish Government, as the purchasers of secure accommodation, to ensure sufficient places to meet the needs of young people in Scotland. The Scottish Government are continuing to work closely and imaginatively with providers and local authorities to ensure that this first class accommodation continues to be put to good use in improving the outcomes of young people and their communities. (b) This information is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227328,"EventID":"S3W-20728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children under 16 have been detained in a young offenders institution or adult prison in each of the last 24 months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children under 16 have been detained in a young offenders institution or adult prison in each of the last 24 months.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The following table illustrates the number of occasions children aged under 16 were admitted to SPS in each of the last 24 months. | Month | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | | January | 1 | 0 | 0 | | February | 1 | 1 | 0 | | March | 1 | 4 | | | April | 4 | 5 | | | May | 1 | 3 | | | June | 0 | 2 | | | July | 1 | 3 | | | August | 3 | 0 | | | September | 3 | 0 | | | October | 0 | 2 | | | November | 1 | 0 | | | December | 0 | 0 | | ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227329,"EventID":"S3W-20729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers the National Performance Framework to be a qualifying plan, programme or strategy for the purposes of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 200","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers the National Performance Framework to be a qualifying plan, programme or strategy for the purposes of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The National Performance Framework can be considered a qualifying plan, programme or strategy, under Section 5(4) of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227330,"EventID":"S3W-20730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that there is an immediate threat to the operation of fire and rescue services in the Highlands and Islands following the vote in the European Parlia","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that there is an immediate threat to the operation of fire and rescue services in the Highlands and Islands following the vote in the European Parliament to end the opt-out to the working time directive.","AnswerText":"There is no immediate threat to the operation of the fire and rescue services. The Scottish Government recognise the vital work of our Fire and Rescue Services across Scotland and especially the contribution of those firefighters on the Retained Duty System who provide a vital, flexible and cost effective community role in Scotland, particularly for those citizens living in our rural, remote and island communities. Therefore while this issue is a reserved matter, the Scottish Government are firmly committed to making the case for retention of the opt-out. My officials are working in partnership with colleagues in the UK Government to ensure that MEPs and EU member states are briefed appropriately. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227331,"EventID":"S3W-20731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to work with Her Majesty’s Government to ensure that there is no threat to fire and rescue services in the Highlands and Islands following the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to work with Her Majesty’s Government to ensure that there is no threat to fire and rescue services in the Highlands and Islands following the vote in the European Parliament to end the opt-out to the working time directive.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20730 on 26 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227332,"EventID":"S3W-20732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the provision of fire and rescue services in the Highlands and Islands through a network of fire stations staffed by predominantly retained fire","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the provision of fire and rescue services in the Highlands and Islands through a network of fire stations staffed by predominantly retained firefighters is a sensible, practical and relatively cost effective way to deliver such services to remote and scattered populations.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20730 on 26 February 2009. All answers 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":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227333,"EventID":"S3W-20733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what practical policies Forestry Commission Scotland has put in place to optimise the use of the national forest estate for carbon sequestration and mitigation and what p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what practical policies Forestry Commission Scotland has put in place to optimise the use of the national forest estate for carbon sequestration and mitigation and what policies it expects to continue.","AnswerText":"Forestry Commission Scotland published its Climate Change Action Plan (2009-2011) on 2 February (www.forestry.gov.uk/ccapscotland), setting out what it will do to increase the contribution and response of Scottish forestry to the challenges of climate change. Effort will focus on protecting and managing existing forests, creating new woodland, using woodland for renewable energy, replacing other materials with wood and planning to adapt to our changing climate. These directions will be embedded in the Forest Enterprise Scotland Framework Strategic Plan (2009-2013) and Forest District Strategic Plans, all of which are now being reviewed following extensive public consultation in 2008 (www.forestry.gov.uk/fesplans). Specific actions, within the context of sustainable forest management and supporting the forestry sector''s significant contribution to meeting the government''s emission reduction targets, include Forest Enterprise Scotland maximising the potential for wind farms on the national forest estate; purchasing sufficient land to create around 6,000 hectares of new woodland over a three-year period, and making one half to three quarters of a million cubic meters of timber available for the biomass market each year. Such actions are continually reviewed as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review process and will also be informed by the review of the FCS Climate Change Action Plan in 2011. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227334,"EventID":"S3W-20734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much measured carbon saving has been made by renewable energy schemes operating under the Renewable Obligations scheme since 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much measured carbon saving has been made by renewable energy schemes operating under the Renewable Obligations scheme since 2002.","AnswerText":"We estimate that between 2002 and 2007, schemes operating under the Renewables Obligation (Scotland) displaced around 6.5 million tonnes of CO2. This estimate is based on the number of Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROCs) issued in Scotland since 2002, to which we have applied the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) recommended calculation for carbon dioxide emissions savings (0.43 kg of carbon dioxide per kilowatt hour of electricity produced). One ROC is issued by OFGEM for 1 megawatt hour of eligible electricity output. The DEFRA guidelines, which explain the reasoning for using a factor of 0.43 kg CO2 per kWh are published at the following website: http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/business/envrp/pdf/ghg-cf-guidelines2008.pdf. Figures from OFGEM for the number of ROCs issued for renewables schemes in Scotland, by year, are as follows: | 2002-03 | 1,010,145 | | 2003-04 | 1,929,342 | | 2004-05 | 3,603,110 | | 2005-06 | 3,553,108 | | 2006-07 | 5,181,992 | The number of ROCs issued in 2007-08 is not yet available. Since not all the electricity generated from renewable sources is eligible for support under the renewables obligation, it can be assumed that the total CO2 emissions displaced by renewable energy schemes is higher than the estimate provided in this reply. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227335,"EventID":"S3W-20735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs it estimates will be required to operate and manage the Siadar wave energy project after its construction.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs it estimates will be required to operate and manage the Siadar wave energy project after its construction.","AnswerText":"The developer has stated that between 30.5 and 72.5 full-time equivalent jobs will be created in the construction phase from 2009-11, and thereafter it is anticipated that there will be 2.5 full-time equivalent jobs in the on-going management and operation of the project. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227336,"EventID":"S3W-20736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19892 by Michael Russell on 2 February 2009, whether it has powers to require potential private lessees of parts of the forest esta","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19892 by Michael Russell on 2 February 2009, whether it has powers to require potential private lessees of parts of the forest estate to assist their customers in meeting the challenges arising from the economic downturn.","AnswerText":"It would only be possible to require lessees of parts of the national forest estate to assist their customers in meeting challenges arising from an economic downturn (e.g. by easing payment terms) if provisions to this effect were included in the terms of the lease. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227337,"EventID":"S3W-20737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs may be secured through the introduction of the proposed permitted development rights for domestic microgeneration equipment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs may be secured through the introduction of the proposed permitted development rights for domestic microgeneration equipment.","AnswerText":"Removing barriers to the uptake of microgeneration equipment is expected to stimulate market demand for those technologies granted permitted development rights and therefore to secure jobs in the manufacturing, installation and maintenance industries. The number of jobs will depend on the choice made by individual householders about the most suitable technology for their house. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227338,"EventID":"S3W-20738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs may be created through the introduction of the proposed permitted development rights for domestic microgeneration equipment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs may be created through the introduction of the proposed permitted development rights for domestic microgeneration equipment.","AnswerText":"Removing barriers to the uptake of microgeneration equipment is expected to stimulate market demand for those technologies granted permitted development rights and therefore to create additional jobs in the manufacturing, installation and maintenance industries. The number of jobs will depend on the choice made by individual householders about the most suitable technology for their house. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227339,"EventID":"S3W-20739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the economic impact on the microgeneration industry of the introduction of the proposed permitted development rights for domestic microgene","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the economic impact on the microgeneration industry of the introduction of the proposed permitted development rights for domestic microgeneration equipment.","AnswerText":"A Regulatory Impact Assessment was completed and published on the Scottish Government Planning website to accompany the proposed Order. It considers the impact upon businesses to ensure the proposed Order is developed with a full consideration of this impact. The assessment can be viewed at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/planning/National-Planning-Policy/themes/renewables/RIA. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227340,"EventID":"S3W-20740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the introduction of the proposed permitted development rights for domestic microgeneration equipment is likely to have on the Scottish Community and Household","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the introduction of the proposed permitted development rights for domestic microgeneration equipment is likely to have on the Scottish Community and Householder Renewables Initiative.","AnswerText":"It is likely that the introduction of the proposed permitted development rights for domestic microgeneration equipment will increase the number of applications for grants through the Scottish Community and Householder Renewables Initiative. We will monitor demand for the scheme closely in light of the proposed changes to evaluate any effects. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227341,"EventID":"S3W-20741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the introduction of the proposed permitted development rights for domestic microgeneration equipment is likely to have on supporting small and medium-sized en","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the introduction of the proposed permitted development rights for domestic microgeneration equipment is likely to have on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises.","AnswerText":"The Regulatory Impact Assessment, accompanying the proposed Order, indicates that the microgeneration industry is characterised by small scale firms. The removal of the requirement to obtain planning permission aims to promote micro-generation technologies and will benefit those companies looking to develop and refine such products and install and maintain them. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227342,"EventID":"S3W-20742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria will be established to evaluate the success of a permitted development rights scheme for domestic microgeneration equipment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria will be established to evaluate the success of a permitted development rights scheme for domestic microgeneration equipment.","AnswerText":"Information for evaluating the success of the PD Order for domestic micro-generation will come through the feedback which the Directorate for the Built Environment receives from stakeholders, including practitioners, industry representatives and professional bodies, on all areas of planning. In this instance, this is likely to relate to striking the correct balance between allowing domestic micro-generation without planning applications and safeguarding the quality of our environment. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227343,"EventID":"S3W-20743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households are projected to benefit from the introduction of the proposed permitted development rights for domestic microgeneration equipment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households are projected to benefit from the introduction of the proposed permitted development rights for domestic microgeneration equipment.","AnswerText":"The Regulatory Impact Assessment provides estimates of the potential microgeneration uptake, copied below (Fig 6). The figures are based on the most recently available information prior to publication, however, they do not take account of specific locational circumstances which may restrict the type of technology that could generate energy efficiently. Figure 6. Potential Microgeneration Uptake for Scotland, Including Estimates of Thresholds (Option 3) | | GSHP | ASHP | CHP | Biomass | Wind | Solar PV | Solar Thermal | Total | | 2015 | 106 | 0 | 699 | 13 | 0 | 92 | 5,832 | 6,741 | | 2020 | 122 | 0 | 4,055 | 113 | 0 | 247 | 10,652 | 15,190 | | 2030 | 73 | 0 | 13,840 | 151 | 0 | 863 | 19,809 | 34,736 | | 2050 | 413 | 0 | 23,286 | 6 | 0 | 4,710 | 34,559 | 62,974 | Notes: GSHP “ Ground Source Heat Pump. ASHP “ Air Source Heat Pump. CHP “ Combined Heat and Power. PV “ Photo-voltaic. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227344,"EventID":"S3W-20744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the likely impact will be of the proposed permitted development rights for domestic microgeneration equipment on reducing any burden on local planning authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the likely impact will be of the proposed permitted development rights for domestic microgeneration equipment on reducing any burden on local planning authorities.","AnswerText":"The Order will reduce the number of planning applications that require to be determined by planning authorities. The Regulatory Impact Assessment, accompanying the proposed Order, estimates the number of these as follows: (Table in para 5.19) | Year | Option 3* | | 2015 | 6,741 | | 2020 | 15,190 | | 2030 | 34,736 | | 2050 | 62,974 | By reducing the number of applications the Order will also result in a reduction in the revenue received by planning authorities. The Regulatory Impact Assessment estimates this to be as follows: (Table in para 5.27) | Year | Option 3* (£) | | 2010 | 980,000 | | 2020 | 2,200,000 | | 2030 | 5,000,000 | | 2050 | 9,100,000 | *Option 3 “ Permitted Development Rights Limited by Impact Thresholds. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227345,"EventID":"S3W-20745","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions have taken place with local authorities and representatives of local planning officers on the interpretation and implementation of the proposed permitted","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions have taken place with local authorities and representatives of local planning officers on the interpretation and implementation of the proposed permitted development rights for domestic microgeneration equipment.","AnswerText":"Local authorities and representatives of local planning officers were able to respond to the consultation paper relating to permitted development rights for domestic microgeneration. Nineteen responses were received from planning and national park authorities. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227346,"EventID":"S3W-20746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the carbon-reducing impact will be of the introduction of the proposed permitted development rights for domestic microgeneration equipment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the carbon-reducing impact will be of the introduction of the proposed permitted development rights for domestic microgeneration equipment.","AnswerText":"The carbon-reducing impact will be from the increased up-take of renewable and low carbon sources of heat and electricity leading to carbon savings being made. I also refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20747 on 2 March 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227347,"EventID":"S3W-20747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many tonnes of CO2 are likely to be reduced through the introduction of the proposed permitted development rights for domestic microgeneration equipment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many tonnes of CO2 are likely to be reduced through the introduction of the proposed permitted development rights for domestic microgeneration equipment.","AnswerText":"The potential reduction has not been calculated. The figure would depend on numerous factors, including the type and models of technologies people choose to install; their efficiencies relative to their location and actual use, and the CO2 emissions from the mix of technologies they replace over the lifetime of the micro-generation equipment. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227348,"EventID":"S3W-20748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many grants the Scottish Community and Householder Renewables Initiative is expected to provide under the 2008-09 budget.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many grants the Scottish Community and Householder Renewables Initiative is expected to provide under the 2008-09 budget.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government expects to provide around 1,200 grants under the Scottish Community and Householder Renewables Initiative under the 2008-09 budget. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227349,"EventID":"S3W-20749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what technologies were supported by each grant awarded under the Scottish Community and Householder Renewables Initiative in each year since its introduction.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what technologies were supported by each grant awarded under the Scottish Community and Householder Renewables Initiative in each year since its introduction.","AnswerText":"The number of grants awarded for each technology supported under the Scottish Community and Householder Renewables Initiative, and broken down by year, are listed in the following tables: Household Stream | | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | Total | | Air Source Heat Pumps | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 48 | 136 | 200 | | Bio Mass | 4 | 14 | 31 | 47 | 64 | 96 | 256 | | Ground Source Heat Pumps | 10 | 89 | 179 | 271 | 286 | 285 | 1,120 | | Hydro | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 10 | | Lerwick District Heating | 0 | 42 | 15 | 18 | 31 | 16 | 122 | | Solar Hot Water | 71 | 106 | 207 | 368 | 392 | 358 | 1,502 ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227350,"EventID":"S3W-20750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for grants there have been under the Scottish Community and Householder Renewables Initiative in 2008-09 and for what technologies the applications ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for grants there have been under the Scottish Community and Householder Renewables Initiative in 2008-09 and for what technologies the applications were made.","AnswerText":"There have been 1,204 applications for grants under the Scottish Community and Householder Renewables Initiative in 2008-09. These applications are listed by category in the following table: | Household | 1,101 | | Community | 89 | | Energy Efficiency | 14 | | Total | 1,204 | The breakdown by technology for each of the grant categories is listed in following tables: Household Stream | Air source heat pumps | 152 | | Biomass | 117 | | Ground source heat pumps | 319 | | Hydro | 0 | | Lerwick district heating | 18 | | Solar hot water | 425 | | Solar hot water / wind | 0 | | Solar PV | 11 | | Solar space heating | 4 | | Wind | 55 | | Total | 1101 | Community Stream | Solar water | 22 | | Solar Water / air | 1 | | Solar PV | 0 | | Solar water/ ground source heat pump | 0 | | Wind | 18 | | Wind / ground source heat pump | 0 | | Wind / solar | 1 | | Ground source heat pump | 7 | | Air so","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227351,"EventID":"S3W-20751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when its carbon emissions reduction target strategy will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when its carbon emissions reduction target strategy will be published.","AnswerText":"The Scottish CERT (Carbon Emissions Reduction Target) Strategy, which sets out how we are working with the energy suppliers to achieve a fair share of CERT activity in Scotland, will be published in the spring of 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227352,"EventID":"S3W-20752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much in Housing Association Grant was awarded to each registered social landlord in (a) Dundee and (b) Angus in 2007-08 and has been awarded in 2008-09 and what the v","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much in Housing Association Grant was awarded to each registered social landlord in (a) Dundee and (b) Angus in 2007-08 and has been awarded in 2008-09 and what the value is of these amounts taking inflation into account.","AnswerText":"The Grant Planning Target (GPT) is allocated at the beginning of each financial year to individual Housing Associations for all relevant elements of the Affordable Housing Investment Programme (AHIP). The following table provides details of the allocation of GPTs for each Housing Association in (a) Dundee and (b) Angus for 2007-08 and 2008-09. | Housing Association | Dundee 2007-081 £ Million | Dundee 2008-09 £ Million | Angus 2007-081 £ Million | Angus 2008-09 £ Million | | Abertay Housing Association Ltd | 1.528 | 0.690 | 0.000 | 0.000 | | Angus Housing Association Ltd | 0.801 | 0.023 | 4.012 | 2.035 | | Bield Housing Association Ltd | 0.052 | 0.072 | 0.021 | 0.010 | | Cairn Housing Association Ltd | 0.007 | 0.018 | 0.004 | 0.005 | | Hillcrest Housing Association Ltd | 3.769 | 2.431 | 0.794 | 0.650 | | Home in Scotland Ltd | 2.745 | 2.588 | 0.000 | 0.000 | | Margaret Blackwood Housing Association Ltd | 1.407 | 1.014 | 0.083 | 0.027 | | Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association | 0.325 | 0.030 | 0.000 | 0.000 | | Servite Housing Association (Scotland) Ltd | 1.471 | 0.776 | 0.764 | 0.904 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227353,"EventID":"S3W-20753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average rent has been in the registered social landlord sector in (a) Dundee and (b) Angus in the last two years for which information is available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average rent has been in the registered social landlord sector in (a) Dundee and (b) Angus in the last two years for which information is available.","AnswerText":"Statistics on Registered Social Landlords are published by the Scottish Housing Regulator. The most up to date information on average rents is provided through their Annual Performance and Statistical Returns, which show the average weekly housing association rents for Dundee City and Angus for 2006-07 and 2007-08 as: | Council Area | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | | Dundee City | £50.02 | £54.12 | | Angus | £48.22 | £52.32 | Scottish Housing Regulator statistics on Registered Social Landlords are available at: http://www.scottishhousingregulator.gov.uk/stellent/groups/public/documents/ webpages/shr_amendment151208-statsfront.hcsp#TopOfPage. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227354,"EventID":"S3W-20754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the approved establishment numbers were for each police authority in each of the last eight quarters.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the approved establishment numbers were for each police authority in each of the last eight quarters.","AnswerText":"Police officer establishments are a matter for police authorities and Chief Constables. Figures on the number of police officers employed are collected on a whole-time equivalent basis each quarter. The 31 December 2008 figures were published on 3 March and are available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 47838). ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227355,"EventID":"S3W-20755","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers were in post in each of the last eight quarters, broken down by police authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers were in post in each of the last eight quarters, broken down by police authority.","AnswerText":"This information is available in table 2 of Police Officer Quarterly Strength Statistics Scotland, 31 December 2008, published by the Scottish Government on 3 March 2009. Copies of the publication are available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 47838). ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227356,"EventID":"S3W-20756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers have been recruited in each of the last eight quarters, broken down by police authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers have been recruited in each of the last eight quarters, broken down by police authority.","AnswerText":"Police officer recruitment is a matter for police authorities and chief constables. Figures on the number of police officers employed are collected on a whole-time equivalent basis each quarter. The 31 December 2008 figures were published on 3 March and are available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 47838). ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227357,"EventID":"S3W-20757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the minimum fostering allowance is in each local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the minimum fostering allowance is in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"Each local authority determines its own criteria and rates for the payment of fostering allowances to its approved foster carers. Information on the fostering allowances paid by each local authority is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Adam Ingram","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227358,"EventID":"S3W-20758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the breakdown is between (a) construction, (b) maintenance and (c) other costs in the contract to build the M80 upgrade between Stepps and Haggs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the breakdown is between (a) construction, (b) maintenance and (c) other costs in the contract to build the M80 upgrade between Stepps and Haggs.","AnswerText":"The £321.2 million NPV (net present value) of the whole contract is comprised as follows: (a) construction (including design) - £251.4 million; (b) maintenance (including capital works and operational costs) - £38.1 million, and (c) other costs (including taxation, financing and management costs) - £31.7 million. ","AnswerDate":"2009-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227359,"EventID":"S3W-20759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the contract completion date is for the M80 upgrade between Stepps and Haggs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the contract completion date is for the M80 upgrade between Stepps and Haggs.","AnswerText":"The completion date for the construction of the M80 between Stepps to Haggs is September 2011. The contract completion date including maintenance and network operation is 2041. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227360,"EventID":"S3W-20760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to ensure that adults with autism are counted by their local authority or community health partnership.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to ensure that adults with autism are counted by their local authority or community health partnership.","AnswerText":"Recent guidance for commissioners of health and social care services for people on the autism spectrum recommends that local authorities and health boards work together to identify and keep a record of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in their area. The Scottish Government has national annual statistical returns on implementation of The same as you? learning disability review. From this year these returns are being collected through eSAY, a national data collection tool run by the Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability (SCLD). The data will include the number of people diagnosed with ASD in touch with local authority services. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227361,"EventID":"S3W-20761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that every local authority has a named individual or team with responsibility for coordinating services for adults with autism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that every local authority has a named individual or team with responsibility for coordinating services for adults with autism.","AnswerText":"The guidance for commissioners of services for people on the autism spectrum includes a recommendation for local authorities and health boards to work in partnership to appoint an ASD coordinator. Reviewing the guidance and other national policy developments for ASD and learning disability remains on the agenda of The same as you? national implementation group. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227362,"EventID":"S3W-20762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to utilise the opportunity provided by the 2011 Census to count disabilities such as autism in order to provide accurate figures to plan and commission s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to utilise the opportunity provided by the 2011 Census to count disabilities such as autism in order to provide accurate figures to plan and commission services.","AnswerText":"The General Register Office for Scotland will consider the best approach for the question on long-term health conditions to be included in the 2011 Census. The sample questionnaire which will be used in a census rehearsal in March 2009 can be found at http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/census/censushm2011/policy-and-regulations/index.html. Data from this year''s census rehearsal and some cognitive testing work will inform further development and refinement of the question. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227363,"EventID":"S3W-20763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote and ensure the implementation of the policy and practice guidance for commissioning services for people on the autistic spectrum.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote and ensure the implementation of the policy and practice guidance for commissioning services for people on the autistic spectrum.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20687 on 2 March 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227364,"EventID":"S3W-20764","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the initial revenue allocations to NHS Tayside (a) were in each financial year since 2004-05 and (b) will be in 2009-10 and what the value is of these amounts taking","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the initial revenue allocations to NHS Tayside (a) were in each financial year since 2004-05 and (b) will be in 2009-10 and what the value is of these amounts taking inflation into account.","AnswerText":"The initial revenue allocations to NHS Tayside from 2004-05 and the inflation adjusted figures are shown below: | Year | Initial Allocation (£ million) | Adjusted Figure (£ million) | | 2004-05 | 451.9 | 511.3 | | 2005-06 | 483.5 | 536.1 | | 2006-07 | 517.0 | 557.9 | | 2007-08 | 549.1 | 575.5 | | 2008-09 | 566.4 | 574.9 | | 2009-10 | 578.6 | 578.6 | The adjusted figures are shown at 2009-10 prices. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227365,"EventID":"S3W-20765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what NHS Tayside’s percentage share is of the general allocation to territorial NHS boards in 2009-10.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what NHS Tayside’s percentage share is of the general allocation to territorial NHS boards in 2009-10.","AnswerText":"NHS Tayside''s percentage share of the initial allocation to territorial NHS boards for 2009-10 was 7.98%. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227366,"EventID":"S3W-20766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the initial revenue allocation to NHS Tayside will be in 2009-10 according to the NHS Scotland Resource Allocation Committee’s (NRAC) target initial allocation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the initial revenue allocation to NHS Tayside will be in 2009-10 according to the NHS Scotland Resource Allocation Committee’s (NRAC) target initial allocation.","AnswerText":"The target initial allocation to NHS Tayside for 2009-10 according to the NHS Scotland Resource Allocation Committee (NRAC) is that they should receive 7.84% of the total allocation due to territorial boards. For 2009-10, this would be £568 million out of the £7,247.9 million made available to territorial boards. The actual allocation made to NHS Tayside for 2009-10 was £578.6 million. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227367,"EventID":"S3W-20767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the capital allocations have been to NHS Tayside in each year since 2005-06.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the capital allocations have been to NHS Tayside in each year since 2005-06.","AnswerText":"The formula capital allocations made to NHS Tayside since 2005-06 are shown in the following table: | Year | £ Million | | 2005-06 | 16.906 | | 2006-07 | 20.276 | | 2007-08 | 24.347 | | 2008-09 | 24.650 | | 2009-10 | 25.030 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227368,"EventID":"S3W-20768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S3W-20202 and S3W-20203 by Stewart Stevenson on 9 February 2009, what plans it has to improve safety on the A1 trunk road between Edi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S3W-20202 and S3W-20203 by Stewart Stevenson on 9 February 2009, what plans it has to improve safety on the A1 trunk road between Edinburgh and the border with England.","AnswerText":"To improve safety on the trunk road network Transport Scotland undertakes an annual review of its accident database to determine accident cluster sites or lengths of road which have recorded a high rate of accidents. Following the latest annual review Transport Scotland is planning to take forward a number of Accident Investigation and Prevention studies on the A1 in 2009. The locations to be investigated are: Haddington Interchange Dolphingstone Thistly Cross Roundabout Reston/Coldingham Junction. In addition, safety studies are underway into the incidence of high wind accidents in the vicinity of Torness and the localised icing problems near Houndwood. Signing improvements are programmed for Burnmouth and a programme of safety barrier improvements is currently underway to reduce the risk from off-road accidents. Measures to improve the road safety and route management of the A1 are also included in the Strategic Transport Projects Review which was announced to Parliament on 10 December 2008. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227369,"EventID":"S3W-20769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the potential benefits are of dualling the single carriageway sections of the A1 trunk road in East Lothian.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the potential benefits are of dualling the single carriageway sections of the A1 trunk road in East Lothian.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20203 on 9 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227370,"EventID":"S3W-20770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2033,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to dualling the single carriageway sections of the A1 trunk road in East Lothian.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to dualling the single carriageway sections of the A1 trunk road in East Lothian.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20202 on 9 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227371,"EventID":"S3W-20771","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many debtor-led petitions for bankruptcy there were in the last quarter for which information is available and how this compares with the same quarter in the previous","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many debtor-led petitions for bankruptcy there were in the last quarter for which information is available and how this compares with the same quarter in the previous year.","AnswerText":"Prior to 1 April 2008, debtors presented petitions for their own bankruptcy to the courts. Since 1 April 2008 those people who wish to make themselves bankrupt must apply directly to the Accountant in Bankruptcy by way of debtor application. The following table shows the number of debtor petitions to the courts in the third quarter of 2007-08 and the number of debtor applications to the Accountant in Bankruptcy in the third quarter of 2008-09. The number of awards of bankruptcy as a result of debtor petitions or applications in the same periods are also shown. There is no direct correlation between the petitions or applications for bankruptcy and those awarded in any particular period of time due to internal processes. Debtor Petitions/Applications and Awards “ Third Quarter | | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | | Debtor petitions to the courts | 604 | - | | Debtor applications to AiB | - | 3,245 | | Awards as a result of debtor petition/application | 619 | 3,251 | Note: Information on numbers of petitions supplied by the Scottish Court Service. Information on debtor applications and awards collated by the Accountant in Bankruptcy. *No information is recorded on debtor petitions to the Court of Session “ the vast majority of debtor petitions would have been presented at a sheriff court. No direct comparison can be made between the figures in the current year and figures reported on in previous years as the application process and criteria for award of bankruptcy are different. The number of debtor applications and the increase in the number of awards in 2008-09 is associated to a new route into bankruptcy for those with Low Income, Low Assets (LILA) which was introduced on 1 April 2008. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227372,"EventID":"S3W-20772","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many creditor-led petitions for bankruptcy there were in the last quarter for which information is available and how this compares with the same quarter in the previo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many creditor-led petitions for bankruptcy there were in the last quarter for which information is available and how this compares with the same quarter in the previous year.","AnswerText":"Prior to 1 April 2008 petitions for bankruptcy were considered by both the sheriff courts and the Court of Session. Since 1 April 2008 it is no longer competent to raise a petition for bankruptcy in the Court of Session. The information in the table below reports on petitions to the sheriff courts only. During the third quarter of 2007-08 some petitions will have been presented at the Court of Session however the data collated by the Court of Session cannot be broken down by source of petition for bankruptcy and can therefore not be included. Historically, significantly fewer petitions have been presented to the Court of Session than to sheriff courts. Creditor-Led Petitions and Bankruptcy Awards “ Third Quarter | | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | | Creditor-led petitions to sheriff courts | 1,455 | 1,118 | | Awards of bankruptcy following creditor petition | 823 | 616 | Note: Information on numbers of petitions supplied by the Scottish Court Service. Information on awards of bankruptcy following creditors petition collated by the Accountant in Bankruptcy. Awards information includes awards following petition to the Court of Session in 2007-08. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227373,"EventID":"S3W-20773","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason the Accountant in Bankruptcy no longer reports statistics on creditor-led petitions for bankruptcy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reason the Accountant in Bankruptcy no longer reports statistics on creditor-led petitions for bankruptcy.","AnswerText":"The Accountant in Bankruptcy has never reported on numbers of petitions for bankruptcy as she does not collate this information herself. The Accountant in Bankruptcy does, however, collate and report on the number of awards of bankruptcy following both petitions to the court and debtor applications considered by the accountant herself. Information on awards of bankruptcy can be found on the website at www.aib.gov.uk in the annual report or in the quarterly Insolvency Statistics press release. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227374,"EventID":"S3W-20774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what creditor-led petitions for bankruptcy were lodged in the last quarter for which information is available, broken down by creditor.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what creditor-led petitions for bankruptcy were lodged in the last quarter for which information is available, broken down by creditor.","AnswerText":"During October to December 2008, creditor-led petitions for bankruptcy were lodged by the following categories of creditors: | Councils | HM Revenue and Customs | Businesses | Private Individuals1 | Money Lenders2 | Other | Total | | 600 | 213 | 191 | 74 | 36 | 4 | 1,118 | Notes: 1. May include creditors from other categories where a named individual has been cited as the pursuer in the Scottish Court Service''s electronic Case Management System. 2. Banks, building societies and credit card companies. The information provided has been collected by the Scottish Court Service and cannot be searched electronically. A manual trawl of the 1,118 cases was undertaken in order to provide the figures quoted above, but more detailed information giving the names of individual creditors, where allowed under the Data Protection Act, could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. Not all petitions presented to the courts result in award of bankruptcy. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227375,"EventID":"S3W-20775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19949 by Linda Fabiani on 2 February 2009, what options are being considered for the development of the cultural site at Granton.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19949 by Linda Fabiani on 2 February 2009, what options are being considered for the development of the cultural site at Granton.","AnswerText":"Options being considered relate to the phasing of the archive storage needs of the National Collections, including the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227376,"EventID":"S3W-20776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19953 by Linda Fabiani on 2 February 2009, what steps it is taking to ensure that the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Mo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19953 by Linda Fabiani on 2 February 2009, what steps it is taking to ensure that the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments will retain charitable status following any rationalisation.","AnswerText":"Any decision taken on the future status of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland will take account of the position in relation to Charitable Status and would, if necessary, be discussed with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227377,"EventID":"S3W-20777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19950 by Linda Fabiani on 2 February 2009, what advice or comment has been sought or received from external sources or stakeholders","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19950 by Linda Fabiani on 2 February 2009, what advice or comment has been sought or received from external sources or stakeholders, other than external consultants, on the best way to deliver the services currently provided by the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments.","AnswerText":"We have not sought comment from external sources or stakeholders on the future status of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland. Correspondence on the future of the Royal Commission has been received from one special interest group and several individuals. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227378,"EventID":"S3W-20778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19951 by Linda Fabiani on 2 February 2009, whether it will provide details of the stakeholders from whom it has received correspond","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19951 by Linda Fabiani on 2 February 2009, whether it will provide details of the stakeholders from whom it has received correspondence on its review of the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments and whether it will publish the representations that it has received.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government''s Simplification Programme did not specifically include a review of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland. However, correspondence on the future of the Royal Commission has been received from one special interest group and several individuals. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227379,"EventID":"S3W-20779","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19951 by Linda Fabiani on 2 February 2009, whether it has considered conducting a formal consultation on the future of the Royal Co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19951 by Linda Fabiani on 2 February 2009, whether it has considered conducting a formal consultation on the future of the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments.","AnswerText":"No formal consultation on the future of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland has been carried out. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227380,"EventID":"S3W-20780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19952 by Linda Fabiani on 2 February 2009, for what reasons the budget for the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19952 by Linda Fabiani on 2 February 2009, for what reasons the budget for the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments has been reduced in 2010-11.","AnswerText":"The budget figures in the answer to question S3W-19952 include the commission''s share of the agreed portfolio efficiency savings for the current spending review period. These apply to all public bodies in the portfolio. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227381,"EventID":"S3W-20781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19952 by Linda Fabiani on 2 February 2009, what areas of the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments budget it expects","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19952 by Linda Fabiani on 2 February 2009, what areas of the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments budget it expects to reduce as a result of the reduction to the 2010-11 budget.","AnswerText":"The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments proposes in its Efficiency Savings Plan, submitted in March 2008, that savings will be made by collaboration with other public bodies on joint projects. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227382,"EventID":"S3W-20782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19958 by Nicola Sturgeon on 2 February 2009, on how many occasions in 2009 death certificates issued in 2008 by the (a) Western Inf","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19958 by Nicola Sturgeon on 2 February 2009, on how many occasions in 2009 death certificates issued in 2008 by the (a) Western Infirmary in Glasgow and (b) Gartnavel General Hospital were amended to show Clostridium difficile as a contributory factor.","AnswerText":"General Register Office for Scotland (GROS) has confirmed that no amendments have been made to death certificates issued by these hospitals, and that June 2009 is the statistical cut off point for any amendments to death certificates issued in 2008. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227383,"EventID":"S3W-20783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1853,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":16,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19955 by Shona Robison on 2 February 2009 and in light of the Budget (Scotland) (No.3) Bill, how much financial support will be pro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19955 by Shona Robison on 2 February 2009 and in light of the Budget (Scotland) (No.3) Bill, how much financial support will be provided to healthy living centres in 2009-10.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will continue the healthy living centre (HLC) transition fund in 2009-10, providing up to £70,000 per HLC. The fund will continue to be administered by local health boards using a rigorous set of criteria, similar to that in 2008-09. HLCs receiving funding will need to have significant prospects of achieving sustainability by March 2010. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227384,"EventID":"S3W-20784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policy and guidance exists to ensure adequate standards of services for inflammatory bowel disease across NHS boards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policy and guidance exists to ensure adequate standards of services for inflammatory bowel disease across NHS boards.","AnswerText":"People with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) will benefit from our general policies on long-term conditions management. The focus in Better Health, Better Care is on providing services which are fully responsive to the totality of people''s needs, in which they are recognised as equal partners in their own care, and which are delivered as locally as possible, but with ready access to specialised services when needed. Self-management is an important aspect of living with IBD. The national self management strategy, Gaun'' Yersel, emphasises, amongst other things, the importance of making sure people with long term conditions and their unpaid carers have access to the information they need to support them in managing their condition. We are aware that the IBD Standards Group has recently produced national standards for IBD. The Scottish Government Health Directorates have agreed to discuss with the National Association for Colitis and Crohn''s Disease how these might be taken forward in Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227385,"EventID":"S3W-20785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what community-based services exist to support individuals with inflammatory bowel disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what community-based services exist to support individuals with inflammatory bowel disease.","AnswerText":"There is a range of community-based services for people with long term conditions such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including those services offered by GP practices, community pharmacists, and healthcare staff such as district nurses who provide advice and support to people in their homes as required. The British Society of Gastroenterology, in its 2006 strategy on the care of patients with gastrointestinal disorders, which includes IBD, advocates closer integration between primary and secondary care in the management of these conditions. That is consistent with our general approach to the management of long term conditions. It may be that services for people with IBD would lend themselves to a Managed Clinical Network approach. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227386,"EventID":"S3W-20786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people suffer from inflammatory bowel disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people suffer from inflammatory bowel disease.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. We are aware, however, that the National Association for Colitis and Crohn''s Disease suggests there may be 20-25,000 people in Scotland with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227387,"EventID":"S3W-20787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the adequacy of inflammatory bowel disease services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the adequacy of inflammatory bowel disease services.","AnswerText":"We understand that the results of the 2008 audit of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) services will be published by the British Society of Gastroenterologists later this month, enabling gastroenterological services in Scotland to benchmark themselves against the recently-published IBD standards. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227388,"EventID":"S3W-20788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will open up access to careers in creative media industries to a wider cross-section of the community.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will open up access to careers in creative media industries to a wider cross-section of the community.","AnswerText":"Increasing access to careers in the creative media industries is a shared responsibility for the government, the Scottish Funding Council, Sector Skills Councils and individual institutions. For example, the Scottish Government''s Determined to Succeed strategy aims to better prepare children and young people for the world of work. We also want to ensure that everyone who has the ability gets the opportunity to study for a higher education qualification whatever their background or personal circumstances. Skillset, the Sector Skills Council for the creative media, is working with Creative Loop, a consortium of colleges that is accredited as a media academy, to develop creative media courses that have strong links with the community. All the media academies in Scotland are also creating new, more flexible progression routes through the industry. Skillset also provides a careers advice service offering unbiased, quality advice on careers in the industry. This can be accessed online through their website, or via the Skills Development Scotland free phone service. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227389,"EventID":"S3W-20789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to explore opportunities to develop an apprenticeship route into the creative media industries.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to explore opportunities to develop an apprenticeship route into the creative media industries.","AnswerText":"It is for Sector Skills Councils to determine the skills needs of their industry and to identify relevant and appropriate training opportunities to meet the needs of employers. Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the creative media industries. Should employers in the creative media industries require a modern apprenticeship framework, it would be for Skillset to develop an appropriate framework for approval by Scotland''s Modern Apprenticeship Group. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227390,"EventID":"S3W-20790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in ensuring that the broadcasting industry has access to a highly skilled and flexible workforce.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in ensuring that the broadcasting industry has access to a highly skilled and flexible workforce.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is keen to ensure that the broadcasting industry has access to a highly skilled and flexible workforce. Progress towards this will be set out in our response to the Scottish Broadcasting Commission''s report, which will be published shortly. The most significant achievement to date, announced on 10 February by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, is that the Scottish Funding Council had decided to award £5.8 million over five years to Skillset to strengthen creative media education at a number of higher and further education institutions. Approximately £400,000 of it each year will help to fund an additional 80 postgraduate students “ 40 in broadcasting and 40 in other creative industries. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227391,"EventID":"S3W-20791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that creative media industries engage with schools and that media literacy is an integral part of the school curriculum.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that creative media industries engage with schools and that media literacy is an integral part of the school curriculum.","AnswerText":"Ofcom defines media literacy as the ability to access, understand and create communications in a variety of contexts. Curriculum for Excellence identifies literacy skills as a key theme across the curriculum with all teachers having a role in promoting language and literacy development. The experiences and outcomes for literacy capture the range of skills young people will need to engage fully in society and learning in the 21st century, taking account of the changing forms of language and communication. Curriculum for Excellence also facilitates more creative approaches to learning and teaching; the new curriculum framework encourages innovative partnerships with those well placed to support education, enabling schools and authorities to engage in partnership with the creative media industries. Glow (the world''s first national digital network for schools) will support these approaches. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227392,"EventID":"S3W-20792","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it provides to golf clubs, broken down by (a) award and (b) funding stream.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it provides to golf clubs, broken down by (a) award and (b) funding stream.","AnswerText":"The information requested for funding to golf clubs, broken down by award and funding stream, is a matter for the delivery body - sportscotland. As such this information is not held centrally by the Scottish Government. Funding for golf is routed through the relevant governing bodies via sportscotland and I refer the member to their Financial Summary within the Annual Review 2007-08 which illustrates the funding to golf. The annual review can be found at: http://www.sportscotland.org.uk/ChannelNavigation/Resource+Library/Publications/Annual+Review+200708++Moving+Forward+Together.htm. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227393,"EventID":"S3W-20793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding sportscotland provides to golf clubs, broken down by award.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding sportscotland provides to golf clubs, broken down by award.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20792 on 3 March 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227394,"EventID":"S3W-20794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it provides to Glasgow museums, broken down by award.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it provides to Glasgow museums, broken down by award.","AnswerText":"Provision for cultural services is included as part of the overall general resources the Scottish Government provides through the Local Government Finance settlement. It is a matter for local authorities themselves to decide how to allocate its resources for a particular service based on their local needs and priorities. Glasgow has access to central government funding via Museums Galleries Scotland, which distributes grants to museums and galleries throughout Scotland. In 2008-09, Glasgow City Council applied for, and received, grants totalling £11,500. In addition, Glasgow City Council is currently completing a project funded under the Regional Development Challenge Scheme for which it received a total of just under £400,000 over the four years to 2007-08. Glasgow has now also bid for funding under Museums Galleries Scotland''s Recognition Scheme. A decision will be made shortly. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227395,"EventID":"S3W-20795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times it has met the Scottish Centre for Financial Education Advisory Group to discuss the promotion of money management in schools and on what dates.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times it has met the Scottish Centre for Financial Education Advisory Group to discuss the promotion of money management in schools and on what dates.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Centre for Financial Education (SCFE) is funded by the Scottish Government and the Financial Services Authority. It has a remit to produce financial education teaching resources for schools and to support continuing professional development of teachers through a programme of workshops, seminars and conferences. It also arranges meetings of the Scottish Centre for Financial Education Advisory Group which is an information forum for key organisations in the financial sector in Scotland with an interest in financial education in schools. The Advisory Group has had two meetings since May 2007 (23 November 2007 and 24 June 2008) and many of its membership attended a financial education conference, supported by the SCFE, in December 2008. The promotion of financial education and money management in schools were discussed on all occasions and the Scottish Government was represented at all meetings. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227396,"EventID":"S3W-20796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times it has met Citizens Advice Scotland to discuss the promotion of money management in schools since 17 May 2007 and on what dates.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times it has met Citizens Advice Scotland to discuss the promotion of money management in schools since 17 May 2007 and on what dates.","AnswerText":"Since May 2007, the Scottish Government has had no meetings with Citizens Advice Scotland to discuss the promotion of money management in schools. The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that money management is an integral aspect of every young person''s school education and it is a key element of the numeracy learning experiences and outcomes within Curriculum for Excellence. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227397,"EventID":"S3W-20797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times it has met the Association of British Credit Unions Ltd to discuss the promotion of money management in schools since 17 May 2007 and on what dates.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times it has met the Association of British Credit Unions Ltd to discuss the promotion of money management in schools since 17 May 2007 and on what dates.","AnswerText":"Since May 2007, the Scottish Government has had no meetings with the Association of British Credit Unions Ltd to discuss the promotion of money management in schools. The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that money management is an integral aspect of every young person''s school education and it is a key element of the numeracy learning experiences and outcomes within Curriculum for Excellence. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227398,"EventID":"S3W-20798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that GPs are prescribing antibiotics appropriately and how prescribing is monitored.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that GPs are prescribing antibiotics appropriately and how prescribing is monitored.","AnswerText":"As with all medicines the decision whether or not to prescribe antibiotics for a patient is a matter for the clinical judgement of the prescriber, informed by advice and evidence about the medicine. NHS boards have Prescribing Advisers who monitor the use of medicines by GP practices using data collected by NHS National Services Scotland, and produce feedback reports for GPs. In addition Prescribing Advisers use prescribing indicators to monitor trends in antibiotic use. Each NHS board requires to have an Antimicrobial Management Team which has a remit for antimicrobial stewardship in both secondary and primary care. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227399,"EventID":"S3W-20799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level is of community-acquired healthcare associated infections (HAI), in particular Clostridium difficile, and what the level was in each quarter since May 2007","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level is of community-acquired healthcare associated infections (HAI), in particular Clostridium difficile, and what the level was in each quarter since May 2007.","AnswerText":"Surveillance systems assume that all patients testing positive for Clostridium difficile Associated Disease (CDAD) have been in contact with the healthcare system. Current systems do not distinguish between samples taken in acute hospitals, non-acute hospitals, and community settings. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227400,"EventID":"S3W-20800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance is issued to GPs about prescribing antibiotics, in particular to treat healthcare associated infections (HAI).","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance is issued to GPs about prescribing antibiotics, in particular to treat healthcare associated infections (HAI).","AnswerText":"The following guidance has been issued to NHS boards: Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy and Scottish Action Plan, 2002. Scottish Medicines Consortium published Antimicrobial Prescribing Policy and Practice in Scotland (2005). Scottish Management of Antimicrobial Resistance Action Plan (ScotMARAP) March 2008. ScotMARAP has replaced the 2002 guidance document and outlines the national programme for Scotland in tackling antimicrobial resistance and prudent prescribing over the next five years in primary and secondary care. On 8 July 2008, CEL 30 2008, was sent to all chief executives, medical directors, and infection control manager of NHS boards and Special Health Boards, seeking the immediate implementation of the national policies set out in ScotMARAP. Other sources of guidance for prescribers include the British National Formulary which provides advice on the prescribing of medicines including antibacterial drugs for the treatment of MRSA. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227401,"EventID":"S3W-20801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost is of the National Debtline and what its period of operation is expected to be.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost is of the National Debtline and what its period of operation is expected to be.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is providing £100,000 a year until 2010-11 to the Money Advice Trust, which runs National Debtline. This funding is to ensure that advisors are appropriately trained to provide advice on, for example, the different debt solutions available in Scotland. National Debtline anticipates spending £7.3 million in total during 2009. National Debtline started operating in April 1987. There is no planned end date. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227402,"EventID":"S3W-20802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many calls were received by the National Debtline and how many were signposted to other organisations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many calls were received by the National Debtline and how many were signposted to other organisations.","AnswerText":"During 2008, National Debtline received 256,173 calls. 171,647 were answered by an adviser and a further 2,476 calls were dealt with on their literature order line. In addition, they handled 7,971 email enquiries. Some 3% of clients were signposted on for debt advice elsewhere (generally because they needed face-to-face advice) and 17.5% of clients were signposted elsewhere for matters other than debt (for example, to a doctor or lawyer). ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227403,"EventID":"S3W-20803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what outcomes have been achieved by the National Debtline.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what outcomes have been achieved by the National Debtline.","AnswerText":"National Debtline is highly effective in helping clients to resolve their debt problems and to avoid further difficulties with debt. In their 2008 evaluation, 80% of clients reported that they were able to reach an adviser on the first attempt. 95% of clients expressed themselves as satisfied or very satisfied with National Debtline''s service (79% very satisfied), and 98% of clients said they would recommend or probably recommend the service to someone else who was experiencing difficulty with debt (85% definitely recommend). 91% of clients who set up an arrangement with their creditors said they had maintained it. 90% of clients felt that they were more knowledgeable about financial matters after receiving advice from National Debtline, and 85% of clients thought that they would be less likely to find themselves in a similar situation again. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227404,"EventID":"S3W-20804","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will carry out an independent evaluation of the National Debtline and publish the results.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will carry out an independent evaluation of the National Debtline and publish the results.","AnswerText":"National Debtline is already regularly evaluated. The Money Advice Trust commissioned the most recent evaluation in 2008 from Illuminas, an independent market research company. The full report has been published and is available at: http://www.infohub.moneyadvicetrust.org/content_files/files/ndl_illuminas_2008_final.ppt. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227405,"EventID":"S3W-20805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to address the list of 7,256 people waiting for registration with an NHS dentist in the Wick and Thurso area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to address the list of 7,256 people waiting for registration with an NHS dentist in the Wick and Thurso area.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for the overall provision of NHS dental services in the area rests with NHS Highland. The board has already established a salaried dental service in Wick and has been allocated £5.64 million under the Primary and Community Care Premises Modernisation Programme for 2009-10 and 2010-11. Part of this funding will used to develop a four surgery dental facility in Thurso for independent dentists working in the NHS. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227406,"EventID":"S3W-20806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are waiting to register with an NHS dentist in the Wick and Thurso area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are waiting to register with an NHS dentist in the Wick and Thurso area.","AnswerText":"I can confirm that at present there are 7,256 people on the waiting list for registration with a dentist under NHS arrangements in the Wick and Thurso area. There are long-term problems with access to general dental services (GDS) in Highland where independent general dental practitioners (GDPs) have taken the decision to reduce their commitment to the NHS. As independent contractors NHS boards cannot force GDPs to register patients under NHS arrangements. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227407,"EventID":"S3W-20807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) adult and (b) child patients use insulin pumps, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) adult and (b) child patients use insulin pumps, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"Number of people currently using an insulin pump broken down by NHS board and age group: | NHS Board | Age 0 to15 Years | Age15+ | Total | | Ayrshire and Arran | 2 | 4 | 6 | | Borders | 1 | 11 | 12 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 1 | 8 | 9 | | Fife | 7 | 40 | 47 | | Forth Valley | 2 | 20 | 22 | | Grampian | 8 | 38 | 46 | | Greater Glasgow and Clyde | 13 | 34 | 47 | | Highland | 0 | 15 | 15 | | Lanarkshire | 0 | 32 | 32 | | Lothian | 3 | 102 | 105 | | Orkney | 1 | 0 | 1 | | Shetland* | - | - | - | | Tayside | 18 | 55 | 73 | | Western Isles | 1 | 0 | 1 | | Total | 57 ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227408,"EventID":"S3W-20808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) adult and (b) child patients were allocated insulin pumps in the last 12 months, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) adult and (b) child patients were allocated insulin pumps in the last 12 months, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The most recent figures on insulin pumps usage available for comparison purposes are those from September 2007. They show that in the 17 months to February 2009 at least 165 people were allocated an insulin pump. Detailed figures are given in the following table. Comparison of Insulin Pump Allocation September 2007 to February 2009 | NHS Board | September 2007 | February 2009 | | Ayrshire and Arran | 2* | 6 | | Borders | 9 | 12 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 6 | 9 | | Fife | 33 | 47 | | Forth Valley | 12 | 22 | | Grampian | 22 | 46 | | Greater Glasgow and Clyde | 30 | 47 | | Highland | 8 | 15 | | Lanarkshire | 7* | 32 | | Lothian | 79 | 105 | | Orkney | 0 | 1 | | Shetland** | - | - | | Tayside | 42* | 73 | | Western Isles | 1 | 1 | | Scotland | 251 | 416 | Source: NHS Boards'' Diabetes Managed Clinical Networks, February 2009. Notes: *Estimated figure. **NHS Shetland''s insulin pump provision is shared with NHS Grampian. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227409,"EventID":"S3W-20809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) adult and (b) child patients are waiting to be supplied with an insulin pump, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) adult and (b) child patients are waiting to be supplied with an insulin pump, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The data available do not make a distinction between those on a waiting list for an insulin pump and those on a waiting list for an insulin pump suitability assessment. Details are given in the following table. Number of Patients on a Waiting List for an Insulin Pump, Broken Down by NHS Board and Age Group | NHS Board | Adults | Children | Total | | Ayrshire and Arran | 0 | 0 | 0 | | Borders | 5 | 2 | 7 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 4 | 0 | 4 | | Fife | 3 | 0 | 3 | | Forth Valley | 2 | 3 | 5 | | Greater Glasgow and Clyde | 7 | 7 | 14 | | Grampian | 8 | 2 | 10 | | Highland | 8 | 0 | 8 | | Lanarkshire | 16 | 0 | 16 | | Lothian | 38 | 8 | 46 | | Orkney | 0 | 0 | 0 | | Shetland* | - | - | - | | Report on NICE Technology Assessment 151. This will give a detailed estimate of both staffing and pump cost to help NHS boards plan its implementation. Once published, the NHS QIS report and the revised SIGN Guideline on the management of diabetes should clearly establish for NHS boards the benefits and costs of investing in insulin pumps, compared to other insulin therapies, to help them develop their insulin pump provision appropriately. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227411,"EventID":"S3W-20811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether NHS boards have adjusted their business plans for diabetes service provision in light of the revised guidance on insulin pumps from the National Institute for Hea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether NHS boards have adjusted their business plans for diabetes service provision in light of the revised guidance on insulin pumps from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).","AnswerText":"We expect NHS boards'' business plans and local protocols for insulin pump therapy, as they are renewed, to reflect the revised advice on insulin pump therapy set out in the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) Technology Assessment 151. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227412,"EventID":"S3W-20812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2030,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will provide a substantive answer to question S3W-17141, which received a holding reply on 17 November 2008. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will provide a substantive answer to question S3W-17141, which received a holding reply on 17 November 2008. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-17141 on 3 March 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227413,"EventID":"S3W-20813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training judges and sheriffs were given in the last two years regarding the psychological impact of sexual offences on victims.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training judges and sheriffs were given in the last two years regarding the psychological impact of sexual offences on victims.","AnswerText":"The psychological impact of offences on victims is considered at Refresher Courses, Skills courses (both of which are three day residential events) and Sexual Offences Seminars (one day course) for judges, sheriffs'' principal and sheriffs. The figures for attendance are follows. | | Original Sexual Offences Seminar | Refresher Course | Skills Course | Sexual Offences Seminars (II) | | 2003-06 | 190 | | | | | 2007 | | 80 | 49 | 23 | | 2008 | | 80 | 31 | 22 | | Total | 190 | 160 | 80 | 45 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227414,"EventID":"S3W-20814","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training judges and sheriffs were given in the last two years on the needs of vulnerable witnesses and on measures in place to address those needs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training judges and sheriffs were given in the last two years on the needs of vulnerable witnesses and on measures in place to address those needs.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20813 on 6 March 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227415,"EventID":"S3W-20815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied that antisocial behaviour orders are being used effectively to prevent gang members from associating with each other.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied that antisocial behaviour orders are being used effectively to prevent gang members from associating with each other.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold data on the use of antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) for preventing gang members from associating with each other. ASBOs can be useful for tackling disorder but are only one of many tools available to local agencies. Enforcement measures alone will not solve the deep seated problems that fuel disorder in our communities. Only by pursuing an holistic multi-agency approach that places prevention and early intervention at the centre, through education and support, will do that. The Scottish Government has invested £1.6 million in the Community Initiative to Reduce Violence (CIRV) “ the Glasgow gangs initiative with education, prevention and rehabilitation at the heart of the initiative which is being led by the Violence Reduction Unit. This will create a systematic framework for coordination, focused around risk/needs assessment and then provision of an appropriate range of joined-up services, ranging from enforcement through to intensive support. It will deliver a holistic and coordinated plan to reduce violence among territorial gangs in the East of Glasgow. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227416,"EventID":"S3W-20816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many antisocial behaviour orders prohibited offenders from associating with gang members in each of the last two years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many antisocial behaviour orders prohibited offenders from associating with gang members in each of the last two years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227417,"EventID":"S3W-20817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many antisocial behaviour orders prohibited offenders from entering a gang territory in each of the last two years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many antisocial behaviour orders prohibited offenders from entering a gang territory in each of the last two years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. \r\n ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227419,"EventID":"S3W-20819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied that the judiciary is provided with sufficient information to allow the identification of offenders who are gang members where there is reason to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied that the judiciary is provided with sufficient information to allow the identification of offenders who are gang members where there is reason to believe that such membership may contribute to a pattern of offending.","AnswerText":"It is a matter for the court to be satisfied that sufficient information has been provided to enable it to make a decision, given the facts and circumstances of each individual case. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227420,"EventID":"S3W-20820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied that the judiciary is provided with sufficient information to allow the use of antisocial behaviour orders to disrupt gang activity where there is","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied that the judiciary is provided with sufficient information to allow the use of antisocial behaviour orders to disrupt gang activity where there is reason to believe that such activity may contribute to a pattern of offending.","AnswerText":"It is a matter for the court to be satisfied that sufficient information has been provided to enable it to make a decision in respect of an antisocial behaviour order (ASBO), given the facts and circumstances of each individual case. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227421,"EventID":"S3W-20821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18600 by Nicola Sturgeon on 15 December 2008, when the review of NHS board compliance with the Protocol for the Scottish Surveillan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18600 by Nicola Sturgeon on 15 December 2008, when the review of NHS board compliance with the Protocol for the Scottish Surveillance Programme for Clostridium Difficile Associated Disease by the HAI National Taskforce will be (a) completed and (b) published.","AnswerText":"NHS board practice in the area of surveillance is monitored through the National HAI Action Plan and progress is reviewed by the HAI National Task Force, as confirmed in the answer provided to question to S3W-18600 on 15 December 2008. There is no review of NHS board compliance with the protocol for the Scottish Surveillance Programme for Clostridium difficile Associated Disease (CDAD) planned. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227422,"EventID":"S3W-20822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18599 by Nicola Sturgeon on 15 December 2008, where the study of Clostridium difficile ribotypes will take place; when it will star","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18599 by Nicola Sturgeon on 15 December 2008, where the study of Clostridium difficile ribotypes will take place; when it will start and finish; when it will be published on the Health Protection Scotland website, and when the results are expected to be published.","AnswerText":"Health Protection Scotland (HPS) has indicated that results from their study, which started in January 2009, will be included in each of the Clostridium difficile Associated Disease (CDAD) quarterly surveillance reports which are published on the HPS website. http://www.ewr.hps.scot.nhs.uk. Publication dates for these reports can be found at http://www.documents.hps.scot.nhs.uk/ewr/2009-schedule.pdf. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227423,"EventID":"S3W-20823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the emergence of the 078 strain of Clostridium difficile and its potentially higher level of toxicity, whether it has issued new guidelines to replace those ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the emergence of the 078 strain of Clostridium difficile and its potentially higher level of toxicity, whether it has issued new guidelines to replace those requiring samples to be submitted where (a) a patient has developed a severe disease, including (i) admission to hospital or an intensive care unit with, (ii) surgery for or (iii) death following a diagnosis of Clostridium difficile associated disease (CDAD), (b) an outbreak of CDAD is suspected or (c) infections or outbreaks of ribotype 027 are suspected.","AnswerText":"Health Protection Scotland (HPS) confirm that their current guidance on Prevention and Control of Clostridium difficile Associated Disease (CDAD) in Healthcare Settings in Scotland provides for the possibility of more virulent strains being identified. HPS also advise that irrespective of strain, early and appropriate treatment, effective infection control procedures, and prudent antimicrobial prescribing are the key interventions needed to minimise the risk of Clostridium difficile Associated Disease (CDAD). ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227424,"EventID":"S3W-20824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of funding it allocated to the National Galleries of Scotland and the National Museum of Scotland in 2008-09.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of funding it allocated to the National Galleries of Scotland and the National Museum of Scotland in 2008-09.","AnswerText":"The funding for 2008-09 for the National Museums of Scotland and National Galleries of Scotland is set out in the following tables: National Galleries of Scotland Financial Allocation | | 2008-09 £ Million | | Running Costs | 12.213 | | Purchases (including funding for Titian''s Diana and Actaeon) | 7.760 | | Capital for Portrait Gallery | 0.999 | | Capital charges (non-cash revenue budget) | 4.589 | | Total | 25.561 | National Museums Scotland Financial Allocation | | 2008-09 £ Million | | Running Costs | 21.078 | | Purchases (including National Fund for Acquisitions | 0.710 | | Capital - Royal Museum and Museum of Flight | 5.261 | | Capital charges (non-cash revenue budget) | 9.500 | | Total | 36.549 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227425,"EventID":"S3W-20825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projected level of funding it will allocate to the National Galleries of Scotland and the National Museum of Scotland in 2009-10.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projected level of funding it will allocate to the National Galleries of Scotland and the National Museum of Scotland in 2009-10.","AnswerText":"The projected funding for 2009-10 for the National Museums of Scotland and the National Galleries of Scotland is set out in the following tables. National Galleries of Scotland Financial Allocation | | 2009-10 £ Million | | Running Costs | 12.411 | | Purchases (including funding for Titian''s Diana and Actaeon) | 6.260 | | Capital for Portrait Gallery | 2.031 | | Capital charges (non-cash revenue budget) | 3.014 | | Total | 23.716 | National Museums Scotland Financial allocation | | 2009-10 £ Million | | Running Costs | 21.270 | | Purchases (including National Fund for Acquisitions) | 0.710 | | Capital for Royal Museum Project | 4.261 | | Capital charges (non-cash revenue budget) | 6.676 | | Total | 32.917 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227426,"EventID":"S3W-20826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of funding it allocated to the Museums Galleries Scotland Recognition Scheme in 2008-09 and how much of this was allocated to museums and galleries in Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of funding it allocated to the Museums Galleries Scotland Recognition Scheme in 2008-09 and how much of this was allocated to museums and galleries in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government allocated £1,235,000 to Museums Galleries Scotland for the Recognition Scheme in 2008-09. £600,000 is allocated to the three major industrial museums and approximately £600,000 is available for grants to the recognised collections. There are now 33 collections in 27 museums which have been recognised as being of international or national importance. The holders of the collections can apply for a grant of up to £40,000 towards projects which assist the organisation to raise standards of collections management and care and/or raise standards of public service delivery. Glasgow City Council has recently applied to the fund and a decision will be made shortly. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227427,"EventID":"S3W-20827","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projected level of funding it will allocate to the Museums Galleries Scotland Recognition Scheme in 2009-10 and how much of this is to be allocated to museums and ga","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projected level of funding it will allocate to the Museums Galleries Scotland Recognition Scheme in 2009-10 and how much of this is to be allocated to museums and galleries in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"The projected funding for Museums Galleries Scotland in 2009-10 for the Recognition Scheme is £1,235,000. Glasgow is eligible to apply for funding. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227428,"EventID":"S3W-20828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to publish the guidance, Safeguarding Children in Scotland who may have been Trafficked.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to publish the guidance, Safeguarding Children in Scotland who may have been Trafficked.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has today published the multi-agency guidance Safeguarding Children in Scotland who may have been Trafficked. The guidance, which was subject to detailed public consultation in 2008, will support professionals in identifying, assessing and providing appropriate support for children who may have been victims of trafficking. Copies have been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 47563). ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Adam Ingram","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227429,"EventID":"S3W-20829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1752,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":57,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to raise public awareness of its mortgage to shared equity scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to raise public awareness of its mortgage to shared equity scheme.","AnswerText":"We have already taken, or will soon be taking, a series of actions to raise awareness of the Home Owners Support Fund, including the new mortgage to shared equity and the revised mortgage to rent schemes, including: Writing to all local authorities, registered social landlords, COSLA and the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations to encourage social landlords to participate in the revised mortgage to rent scheme and raise awareness among staff of the new schemes; Arranging training with Money Advice Scotland and Citizens Advice Scotland so that advisers can make people in difficulty aware of what support is available; Writing to all Scottish MPs and MSPs with information on the schemes and recommending they advise constituents in financial difficulty to contact independent advice as soon as they can; Distributing information leaflets to registered social landlords, advice agencies, local authorities and others so they can help people in difficulty; Producing new advertising for the schemes to make people aware of the Home Owners Support Fund, and Running workshops at national housing conferences to raise awareness within the sector. We are also raising awareness more generally through the Scottish Government website and there will be a telephone helpline so that people can access information. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227430,"EventID":"S3W-20830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in the 60th year of the Scottish Parent Teacher Council, whether it recognises the value of an independent voice for parents.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in the 60th year of the Scottish Parent Teacher Council, whether it recognises the value of an independent voice for parents.","AnswerText":"We do recognise the importance of parents having such a voice. Adam Ingram acknowledged the good work of the Scottish Parent Teacher Council when he addressed their 60th anniversary conference last November. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227431,"EventID":"S3W-20831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many offences of selling alcohol to people under 18 have been detected in the Lothians region in the last 12 months as a result of the national roll-out of the test p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many offences of selling alcohol to people under 18 have been detected in the Lothians region in the last 12 months as a result of the national roll-out of the test purchasing of alcohol.","AnswerText":"Information obtained from Lothian and Borders Police indicates that between January and December 2008 the force undertook 255 intelligence-led test purchase visits to off“sales premises. Of those premises tested there were 39 first failures and four second failures. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227432,"EventID":"S3W-20832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many alcohol-related incidents have taken place in schools in the Lothians region in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) type of incident and (b) local au","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many alcohol-related incidents have taken place in schools in the Lothians region in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) type of incident and (b) local authority.","AnswerText":"This information is not collected centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227433,"EventID":"S3W-20833","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much alcohol-related illness cost NHS Lothian in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much alcohol-related illness cost NHS Lothian in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. The Scottish Government provided £3,401,218 to NHS Lothian in 2009-10 for the provision of alcohol brief interventions and alcohol-specific treatment and support services. However, the total costs of alcohol-related illness in Lothian are likely to exceed this amount. Nationally, it is estimated that the wider economic and social costs of alcohol misuse to Scotland in 2006-07 was £2.25 billion of which £405 million was to NHS Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227434,"EventID":"S3W-20834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2595,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many crimes were committed by people under 18 in the Lothians region in 2008 and how many of these were by (a) first-time offenders and (b) repeat offenders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many crimes were committed by people under 18 in the Lothians region in 2008 and how many of these were by (a) first-time offenders and (b) repeat offenders.","AnswerText":"This information has been taken from the Scottish Government''s Court Proceedings database and does not include young people who have been referred to the reporter. In 2006-07, the latest year for which information is available, there were 641 individuals under 18 with a charge proved for a crime or offence in the Lothian Region. Of these, 393 had committed no previous crimes/offences in the period back to 1 April 1997 and 248 had committed at least one previous crime/offence over the same period. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227435,"EventID":"S3W-20835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the purpose is of section 50 of the Children Act 1975.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the purpose is of section 50 of the Children Act 1975.","AnswerText":"In addition to other relevant statutory powers and duties of local authorities, Section 50 of the Children Act 1975 provides a discretionary power to a local authority to make financial payments for the maintenance of a child to a person caring for the child. This person cannot be a parent or a foster carer. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Adam Ingram","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227436,"EventID":"S3W-20836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that section 50 of the Children Act 1975 has been successfully implemented.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that section 50 of the Children Act 1975 has been successfully implemented.","AnswerText":"It is a matter for each local authority to ensure that the discretionary powers available to it under section 50 of the Children Act 1975 are used effectively and in accordance with both its statutory duties and also its local policies and priorities. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Adam Ingram","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227437,"EventID":"S3W-20837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) initial revenue and (b) capital allocations have been to NHS (i) Highland, (ii) Orkney, (iii) Shetland, (iv) Western Isles and (v) Grampian in each financial","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) initial revenue and (b) capital allocations have been to NHS (i) Highland, (ii) Orkney, (iii) Shetland, (iv) Western Isles and (v) Grampian in each financial year since 2004, also expressed in real terms.","AnswerText":"Details are as follows: £ Million | | NHS Highland* | NHS Orkney | NHS Shetland | NHS Western Isles | NHS Grampian | | Initial Revenue Allocation | Real Terms | Initial Revenue Allocation | Real Terms | Initial Revenue Allocation | Real Terms | Initial Revenue Allocation | Real Terms | Initial Revenue Allocation | Real Terms | | 2004-05 | 239.2 | 270.6 | 22.4 | 25.3 | 26.7 | 30.2 | 42.2 | 47.7 | 481.7 | 545.0 | | 2005-06 | 272.1 | 301.7 | 25.1 | 27.8 | 29.8 | 33.0 | 47.1 | 52.2 | 547.9 | 607.4 | | 2006-07 | 419.6 | 452.9 | 26.9 | 29.0 | 31.8 | 34.3 | 50.3 | 54.3 | 583.5 | http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227439,"EventID":"S3W-20839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1735,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the NHS offers weaning programmes for tube-fed infants equivalent to the one provided in the Kinderpsychosomatik ward in the Graz children’s hospital in Austria.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the NHS offers weaning programmes for tube-fed infants equivalent to the one provided in the Kinderpsychosomatik ward in the Graz children’s hospital in Austria.","AnswerText":"No weaning programmes for tube-fed infants equivalent to the one provided in the Kinderpsychosomatik ward in the Graz Children''s Hospital are provided by the NHS in Scotland. It is the opinion of some professionals that there is insufficient evidence of the potential benefits of the Graz model or of its outcome in different clinical situations to determine whether it is appropriate for an infant or child to be referred. In Scotland, weaning infants and children off tube feeding takes place in paediatric units using a multi-disciplinary approach involving paediatricians, paediatric dietitians, speech and language therapists and psychologists. Treatment is based on the individual needs of the infant or child and their family. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227440,"EventID":"S3W-20840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1735,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support can be offered to families requiring access to the specialist tube-fed weaning programme offered in the Kinderpsychosomatik ward in the Graz childr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support can be offered to families requiring access to the specialist tube-fed weaning programme offered in the Kinderpsychosomatik ward in the Graz children’s hospital in Austria.","AnswerText":"There are two routes by which an NHS patient can go abroad for treatment in certain European countries. The long established E112 scheme, when the NHS agrees to treatment abroad and pays for it beforehand and, following a judgement in the European Court of Justice in 2006, under Article 49 (of the European Treaty which guarantees the rights of service users to access services) where the patient pays for their treatment and is reimbursed by the NHS once it has been carried out. However, in both scenarios, prior authorisation is required from the relevant NHS board responsible for the provision of the patient''s health care. Guidance was issued to NHS boards in October 2007, which sets out the considerations that should be taken into account in deciding whether it is appropriate to authorise treatment abroad and, if so, by which route. In more general terms, there are proposals for a cross-border health care directive, which, amongst other things, would codify the Article 49 case law. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227441,"EventID":"S3W-20841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":6,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to publish the findings of its review of the National Physical Activity Strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to publish the findings of its review of the National Physical Activity Strategy.","AnswerText":"The review was launched and published on the NHS Health Scotland website on 24 February 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227442,"EventID":"S3W-20842","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the organisations, groups or agencies that have been awarded funds to participate in the National Conversation, detailing the value and terms of each","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the organisations, groups or agencies that have been awarded funds to participate in the National Conversation, detailing the value and terms of each award.","AnswerText":"The following table shows grants paid to organisations in respect of the National Conversation: | Organisation | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | Total | | Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations | £12,043 | £25,830 | - | £37,873 | | Young Scot | £20,000 | £30,000 | - | £50,000 | | Council for Ethnic Minority Organisations | - | £2,305 | £8,615 | £10,920 | The terms of grants to the SCVO and CEMVO were provided under section 10 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968. The grant to Young Scot was provided under the Further Education (Approved Associations) (Scotland) Grant Regulations 1989. Each grant is intended to facilitate discussion about the issues set out in Choosing Scotland''s Future amongst relevant stakeholder organisations and interest groups as a contribution to the National Conversation. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227443,"EventID":"S3W-20843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail its spending commitments to the National Conversation for 2009-10.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail its spending commitments to the National Conversation for 2009-10.","AnswerText":"Expenditure on the National Conversation during 2009-10 will be sufficient to ensure that the people of Scotland have the opportunity to debate the options set out in Choosing Scotland''s Future before reaching a decision in a referendum in autumn 2010. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227444,"EventID":"S3W-20844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the travel costs, including foreign trips, associated with the National Conversation, indicating the minister and officials involved.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the travel costs, including foreign trips, associated with the National Conversation, indicating the minister and officials involved.","AnswerText":"National Conversation activity by ministers and officials is normally conducted as part of a programme of Scottish Government business in a particular area. As a result no additional travel costs which can be directly attributed to the National Conversation are incurred. Costs relating to journeys arranged through the Government Car Service are not available in the format requested. Where travel costs by ministers or officials can be directly attributed to the National Conversation they are set out in the following table.* | Date | Event | Minister/Official | Mode of Travel | Cost | | 4-2-2008 | First Minister addresses Scotland in the World Forum at Aberdeen University | Policy officials | Car hire | £51.76 | | 23-4-2008 | First Minister leads Scotland in Europe Seminar in Brussels | Policy officials | 2 return flights | £968.20 | | 29-7-2008 | Summer Cabinet event in Dumfries | Policy officials** | Car hire | £116.50 | | 5-8-2008 | Summer Cabinet event in Inverness | Policy officials** | Car hire | £109.11 | | 19-8-2008 | Summer Cabinet event in Pitlochry | Policy officials** | mileage/train | £98.20 | | 26-8-2008 | Summer Cabinet event in Skye | Policy officials** | Car hire & ferry | £185.00 | | 11-11-2008 | Public event in Stornoway | Minister for Parliamentary Business /Policy officials | 4 return flights | £1305.71 | | 19-1-2009 | Public event in Dundee ","AnswerDate":"2009-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227445,"EventID":"S3W-20845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail (a) the total cost of hospitality for and (b) how many people attended each National Conversation event.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail (a) the total cost of hospitality for and (b) how many people attended each National Conversation event.","AnswerText":" Over 483,000 hits on the National Conversation website; 37,000 people accessing Choosing Scotland''s Future online, and more than 2500 people attending events organised as part of the National Conversation demonstrates widespread enthusiasm for debating Scotland''s constitutional future. The following table sets out the cost of hospitality and the number of people attending National Conversation events which were directly organised, involved or were paid for by the Scottish Government. The Scottish Government does not hold information about the cost of events organised by others. | Date | Event | Numbers | Hospitality Costs | | 4 February 2008 | First Minister launches Scotland in the World Forum at Aberdeen University | 100 | Met by organisers | | 13 February 2008 | First Minister National Conversation speech at Trinity College, Dublin | 100 | Met by organisers | | 12 March 2008 | Stuart Maxwell addresses SCVO National Conversation event in Edinburgh | 45 | Met by organisers | | 26 March 2008 | First Minister launches National Conversation Civic engagement programme at Edinburgh University | 110 | £1,759 | | 1 April 2008 | First Minister National Conversation speech Scotland Week University of Virginia address | 200 | Met by organisers | | 23 April 2008 | First Minister leads Scotland in Europe seminar in Scotland House | 60 | Met by organisers | | 3 May 2008 | Bruce Crawford addresses Church Without Walls event in Edinburgh | 205 | Met by organisers | | 19 June 2008 | Bruce Crawford hosts Church leaders event in Parliament | 19 | Met by organisers | | 20 June 2008 | The Scottish Government will publish its response to the National Conversation in time to inform debate in the referendum planned for 2010. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227447,"EventID":"S3W-20847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners were in custody in each prison on 11 February 2009, broken down by local authority of residence at the time of reception in prison.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners were in custody in each prison on 11 February 2009, broken down by local authority of residence at the time of reception in prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows: The SPS do not record the home local authority of prisoners. The population as of 11 February 2009 is listed in the following table. | Establishment | Total | | Aberdeen | 225 | | Addiewell | 412 | | Barlinnie | 1,359 | | Cornton Vale | 422 | | Dumfries | 194 | | Edinburgh | 801 | | Glenochil | 743 | | Greenock | 314 | | Inverness | 155 | | Kilmarnock | 548 | | Open Estate | 319 | | Perth | 770 | | Peterhead | 306 | | Polmont | 646 | | Shotts | 534 | | Total | 7,748 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227448,"EventID":"S3W-20848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20223 by Linda Fabiani on 4 February 2009, when it will announce its final decisions on applications for funding from Scottish-base","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20223 by Linda Fabiani on 4 February 2009, when it will announce its final decisions on applications for funding from Scottish-based organisations that wish to assist in providing emergency relief in Gaza.","AnswerText":"Details of the Scottish Government''s assistance to Scottish Non-Governmental Organisations for their relief efforts in the humanitarian crisis in Gaza were announced on Sunday 15 February 2009. Further information on the successful projects can be found on the Scottish Government''s website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/International-Relations/internationaldevelopment/idffundingguidance/gaza. ","AnswerDate":"2008-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227449,"EventID":"S3W-20849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners in HMP Aberdeen come from (a) Aberdeen city, (b) Aberdeenshire, (c) Moray, (d) elsewhere in Scotland and (e) elsewhere in the United Kingdom.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners in HMP Aberdeen come from (a) Aberdeen city, (b) Aberdeenshire, (c) Moray, (d) elsewhere in Scotland and (e) elsewhere in the United Kingdom.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The following table illustrates the distribution of prisoners in Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Other Scotland, and Other UK. The data is as of 10:15, 20 February 2009. | Area | Total | | Aberdeen City | 133 | | Aberdeenshire | 57 | | Moray | 4 | | Other Scotland | 12 | | Other UK | 15 | | Total | 221 | Note: Prisoners who are recorded as No Fixed Abode are given the AB1 postal area. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227450,"EventID":"S3W-20850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners in HMP Aberdeen come from an address with an AB postcode.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners in HMP Aberdeen come from an address with an AB postcode.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: As of 13:30 on 20 February 2009 there were 155 prisoners within HM Prison Aberdeen who had an AB postcode from a total population of 221. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227451,"EventID":"S3W-20851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners from Aberdeen city are held in (a) HMP Aberdeen, (b) HMP Peterhead, (c) another prison in Scotland for adult males, (d) HMP and YOI Cornton Vale and (e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners from Aberdeen city are held in (a) HMP Aberdeen, (b) HMP Peterhead, (c) another prison in Scotland for adult males, (d) HMP and YOI Cornton Vale and (e) YOI Polmont.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The following table illustrates the distribution of prisoners in custody whose postcode area lies within Aberdeen City. The data is as of 10:30 on 20 February 2009. | Establishment | Total | | Aberdeen | 126 | | Barlinnie | 5 | | Cornton Vale | 23 | | Edinburgh | 9 | | Glenochil Prison | 49 | | Greenock | 5 | | Inverness | 7 | | Open Estate | 9 | | Perth | 50 | | Peterhead | 12 | | Polmont | 27 | | Shotts | 13 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227452,"EventID":"S3W-20852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners from Aberdeenshire are held in (a) HMP Aberdeen, (b) HMP Peterhead, (c) another prison in Scotland for adult males, (d) HMP and YOI Cornton Vale and (e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners from Aberdeenshire are held in (a) HMP Aberdeen, (b) HMP Peterhead, (c) another prison in Scotland for adult males, (d) HMP and YOI Cornton Vale and (e) YOI Polmont.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The following table illustrates the distribution of those prisoners in custody whose postcode area lies within Aberdeenshire. The data is as at 09:35, 20 February 2009: | Establishment | Total | | Aberdeen | 39 | | Barlinnie | 1 | | Cornton Vale | 12 | | Dumfries | 4 | | Edinburgh | 5 | | Glenochil Prison | 15 | | Greenock | 2 | | Inverness | 7 | | Open Estate | 11 | | Perth | 42 | | Peterhead | 16 | | Polmont | 9 | | Shotts | 8 | | Total | 171 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227453,"EventID":"S3W-20853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners from Moray are held in (a) HMP Aberdeen, (b) HMP Peterhead, (c) another prison in Scotland for adult males, (d) HMP and YOI Cornton Vale and (e) YOI Po","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners from Moray are held in (a) HMP Aberdeen, (b) HMP Peterhead, (c) another prison in Scotland for adult males, (d) HMP and YOI Cornton Vale and (e) YOI Polmont.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The following table illustrates the distributions of prisoners from Moray in the prisons requested. The data is as at 07:40 on 19 February 2009. | Establishment | Total | | Aberdeen | 4 | | Barlinnie | 5 | | Cornton Vale | 8 | | Dumfries | 2 | | Edinburgh | 1 | | Glenochil | 6 | | Inverness | 20 | | Open Estate | 4 | | Perth | 10 | | Peterhead | 5 | | Polmont | 4 | | Shotts | 1 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227454,"EventID":"S3W-20854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners with an AB postcode are held in (a) HMP Aberdeen, (b) HMP Peterhead, (c) another prison in Scotland for adult males, (d) HMP and YOI Cornton Vale and (","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners with an AB postcode are held in (a) HMP Aberdeen, (b) HMP Peterhead, (c) another prison in Scotland for adult males, (d) HMP and YOI Cornton Vale and (e) YOI Polmont.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The following table illustrates the distribution of prisoners in custody with an AB postcode. The data is as of 11:30 on 20 February 2009. | Establishment | Total | | Aberdeen | 159 | | Barlinnie | 6 | | Cornton Vale | 33 | | Dumfries | 4 | | Edinburgh | 12 | | Glenochil Prison | 58 | | Greenock | 6 | | Inverness | 13 | | Open Estate | 17 | | Perth | 70 | | Polmont | 31 | | Peterhead | 19 | | Shotts | 16 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227455,"EventID":"S3W-20855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the evidence given to the Public Petitions Committee on 10 February 2009 by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, what plans there are for the site of HMP Aberde","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the evidence given to the Public Petitions Committee on 10 February 2009 by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, what plans there are for the site of HMP Aberdeen.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: Following the opening of HMP Grampian, the site of HMP Aberdeen will be disposed of in accordance with Scottish Government guidelines. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227456,"EventID":"S3W-20856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the evidence given to the Public Petitions Committee on 10 February 2009 by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, whether there are technical reasons for which t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the evidence given to the Public Petitions Committee on 10 February 2009 by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, whether there are technical reasons for which the site of HMP Aberdeen can not be used for a new community prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: HMP Grampian will be the new community prison for the region and will accommodate all prisoner categories including those on remand. The site at HMP Aberdeen is too small for the proposed capacity of the new prison, HMP Grampian. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227457,"EventID":"S3W-20857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2117,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":47,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the evidence given to the Public Petitions Committee on 10 February 2009 by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, whether there are technical reasons for which t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the evidence given to the Public Petitions Committee on 10 February 2009 by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, whether there are technical reasons for which the site of HMP Aberdeen can not be used for a new remand facility.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20856 on 4 March 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227458,"EventID":"S3W-20858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2049,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of its plans for the future of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland as part of new scrutiny bodies for social and health care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of its plans for the future of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland as part of new scrutiny bodies for social and health care.","AnswerText":"I am aware of concerns expressed by stakeholders about this proposal, particularly about the perceived loss of independence for the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland (MWCS) and the safeguarding role. That is why Cabinet agreed earlier this week that while the MWCS will remain very much part of the simplification programme we will step back at this time from taking the MWCS'' functions into either the new health or the new social care body. We will discuss further with the MWCS and engage directly with stakeholders on the way forward. At the same time we will review the operation of the MWCS over the next four to six months to establish how best to take the MWCS forward as part of the simplification programme. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227459,"EventID":"S3W-20859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications have been made to buy a house under the modernised right to buy in each local authority area since the coming into force of the Housing (Scotland) A","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications have been made to buy a house under the modernised right to buy in each local authority area since the coming into force of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001.","AnswerText":"The numbers of applications by local authority and housing association sitting tenants to buy a house under the modernised right to buy scheme since the introduction of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 are shown in the following table: Table 1: Modernised Terms Applications by Sitting Tenants to buy Local Authority or Housing Association Housing, 2002-03 to 2007-08 | | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | | Scotland | 25 | 559 | 1,187 | 1,597 | 2,008 | 2,038 | | Aberdeen City | 1 | 19 | 77 | 82 | 125 | 152 | | Aberdeenshire | 0 | 3 | 10 | 70 | 51 | 76 | | Angus | 0 | 5 | 23 | 35 | 32 | 31 | | Argyll and Bute | 0 | 11 | 5 | 11 | 8 | 4 | | Clackmannanshire | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 2 | 0 | 5 | 18 | 31 | 5 | | Dundee City | 0 | 24 | 53 | 75 | Table 1: Modernised Terms Sales to Sitting Tenants of Local Authority or Housing Association Housing, 2002-03 to 2007-08 | | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | | Scotland | 4 | 80 | 247 | 363 | 403 | 345 | | Aberdeen City | 0 | 4 | 9 | 23 | 24 | 27 | | Aberdeenshire | 0 | 0 | 4 | 13 | 15 | 18 | | Angus | 0 | 5 | 8 | 14 | 11 | 7 | | Argyll and Bute | 0 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 0 | | Clackmannanshire | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 0 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 10 | 5 | | Dundee City | 0 | 3 | 10","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227461,"EventID":"S3W-20861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":71,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20307 by John Swinney on 10 February 2009, whether it will provide a revenue and capital breakdown of the £60 million Town Centre R","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20307 by John Swinney on 10 February 2009, whether it will provide a revenue and capital breakdown of the £60 million Town Centre Regeneration Fund for 2009-10.","AnswerText":"The Town Centre Regeneration Fund will be a capital fund. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227462,"EventID":"S3W-20862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2030,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to monitor and address ageism in bodies for which it has direct or arm’s length responsibility. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to monitor and address ageism in bodies for which it has direct or arm’s length responsibility. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is committed to increasing the diversity of staff within the devolved public service, and recognising what everyone has to offer. All Scottish public bodies are required to operate equal opportunities policies in line with Scottish Government priorities as set out in the National Performance Framework, which includes the National Outcome We have tackled the significant inequalities in Scottish society. It is the responsibility of all employers to ensure they comply with the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006. As an employer, the Scottish Government aims to be an exemplar in areas of diversity and equality and is also committed to eliminating all forms of discrimination, including that on age grounds. The Scottish Government also ran a wide reaching campaign, from July to October 2008, to raise awareness about age discrimination and promote positive attitudes towards ageing. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227463,"EventID":"S3W-20863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":4016,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has information on how many Scottish nationals are in prison abroad, broken down by country of imprisonment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has information on how many Scottish nationals are in prison abroad, broken down by country of imprisonment.","AnswerText":"This information is not available. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227464,"EventID":"S3W-20864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on plans for a new prison in Inverness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on plans for a new prison in Inverness.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The Scottish Prison Service, working in conjunction with Highland Council, has identified possible sites for the proposed HMP Highland and further work is now being carried out to evaluate the suitability of these sites. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227465,"EventID":"S3W-20865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households were in fuel poverty on 31 December 2007 and in each subsequent quarter for which information is available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households were in fuel poverty on 31 December 2007 and in each subsequent quarter for which information is available.","AnswerText":"The Scottish House Condition Survey is the source of official figures for fuel poverty. The latest figures available are for 2007. In 2007, about 586,000 households were in fuel poverty. Since the figures are derived from a survey there is an associated 95% confidence interval which is +/- 68,000 households - giving an estimated 95% confidence interval from 517,000 to 654,000 households. The figures are produced annually rather than quarterly. The figures for 2008 will be available in October 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227466,"EventID":"S3W-20866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many emergency hospital readmissions there have been of people aged (a) 50 to 64, (b) 65 to 74 and (c) 75 and over in each year since 1999, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many emergency hospital readmissions there have been of people aged (a) 50 to 64, (b) 65 to 74 and (c) 75 and over in each year since 1999, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The information requested has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre under Emergency Hospital Readmissions (Surgical Data) “ (Bib. number 47839) and Emergency Hospital Readmissions (Medical Data) “ (Bib. number 47840). The tables show information on the number of emergency hospital admissions within 28 days of discharge by NHS board of treatment for people aged 50 to 64 years, 65 to 74 years and 75 years and over for calendar years 1999-2007. The information is presented separately for surgical and medical speciality groupings as the readmission rates can differ markedly between these two groups. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227467,"EventID":"S3W-20867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-11102 by Andy Kerr on 19 November 2004, whether it will provide the same information on hospital readmission rates in each year sin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-11102 by Andy Kerr on 19 November 2004, whether it will provide the same information on hospital readmission rates in each year since 2004.","AnswerText":"The following tables show the number of emergency hospital admissions within 28 days of discharge by age group for calendar years 2004-07. The information has been presented separately for surgical and medical specialty groupings as the readmission rates can differ markedly between these two groups. Emergency admissions within 28 days will include cases that are readmissions for complications resulting from the original hospital stay but will also encompass cases completely unrelated to the previous discharge from hospital. 28 Day Readmission Rate following Discharge from a Surgical Specialty in a Scottish Hospital, 2004-07 | | | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | | 0-14 years | Discharges | 37,184 | 37,595 | 37,080 | 38,025 | | Emergency Readmissions | 1,446 | 1,411 | 1,337 | 1,445 | | Percentage (%) | 3.9 | 3.8 | 3.6 | 3.8 | | 15-24 years | Discharges | 44,498 | 44,659 | 45,691 | 46,797 | | Emergency Readmissions | 2,110 | 2,072 | 2,234 | 2,421 | | Percentage (%) | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.9 | 5.2 | | 25-44 years | Discharges | 119,062 | 117,729 | 118,836 | 118,109 | | Emergency Readmissions | 5,875 | 5,582 | 6,125 | 6,578 | | Percentage (%) | 4.9 | 4.7 | 5.2 | 5.6 | | 45-64 years | ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227469,"EventID":"S3W-20869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria have been identified for the awarding of leases to the national forest estate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria have been identified for the awarding of leases to the national forest estate.","AnswerText":"No decisions have been taken about whether or not to lease significant parts of the national forest estate. This decision, and any decisions relating to criteria for such leases, will be taken following our consideration of responses to the recent consultation on the forestry provisions in the Climate Change (Scotland) Bill. For the purposes of its options review, Forestry Commission Scotland used relatively low levels of social and environmental benefit as criteria for identifying potential areas for leasing. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227470,"EventID":"S3W-20870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what national forest estate sites have been identified for leasing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what national forest estate sites have been identified for leasing.","AnswerText":"No decisions have been taken about whether or not to lease significant parts of the national forest estate. This decision, and any decisions relating to the location of such leases, will be taken following our consideration of responses to the recent consultation on the forestry provisions in the Climate Change (Scotland) Bill. For the purposes of its options review, Forestry Commission Scotland identified around 25% of the productive forest area on the national forest estate as potential areas for leasing; these sites are located in Argyllshire and south Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227471,"EventID":"S3W-20871","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what travel and accommodation costs have been incurred by (a) Scottish ministers and (b) officials in connection with meetings with representatives of Rothschild regardin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what travel and accommodation costs have been incurred by (a) Scottish ministers and (b) officials in connection with meetings with representatives of Rothschild regarding the national forest estate.","AnswerText":"The meetings attended by ministers were held in Edinburgh. Officials attended meetings in Edinburgh and London. The visits to London also included other business. Therefore, there was no additional travel and accommodation costs for ministers and officials meeting representatives of Rothschild to discuss the national forest estate. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227472,"EventID":"S3W-20872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what acreage of forestry is controlled by Forestry Commission Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what acreage of forestry is controlled by Forestry Commission Scotland.","AnswerText":"The national forest estate, managed by Forestry Commission Scotland, covers some 665,000 hectares. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227473,"EventID":"S3W-20873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what budget provision has been made for fees and charges by Rothschild in relation to proposals for leasing the national forest estate. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what budget provision has been made for fees and charges by Rothschild in relation to proposals for leasing the national forest estate. ","AnswerText":"No budget provision has been made because no such fees or charges are expected. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227474,"EventID":"S3W-20874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20108 by Michael Russell on 9 February 2009, which ministers and officials attended the six meetings with representatives of Rothsc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20108 by Michael Russell on 9 February 2009, which ministers and officials attended the six meetings with representatives of Rothschild.","AnswerText":"The Cabinet Secretaries for Rural Affairs and the Environment, and Finance and Sustainable Growth each attended one meeting, the then Minister for the Environment attended two, the Scottish Government Director General Environment attended five, the Director Forestry Commission Scotland attended four, and the Director General Forestry Commission (GB) attended three. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227475,"EventID":"S3W-20875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who owns and is responsible for the (a) off-road cycle track and (b) area of land between the road and the cycle track that runs alongside the A9 from Perth to Inverness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who owns and is responsible for the (a) off-road cycle track and (b) area of land between the road and the cycle track that runs alongside the A9 from Perth to Inverness.","AnswerText":"The off-road cycle track and the area of land between the A9 and the cycle track are owned by the local landowners but the condition of the cycle track is monitored by SUSTRANS and maintained by the Trunk Road Operating Company, Scotland TranServ, on behalf of Transport Scotland. The local authorities are responsible for litter clearance on the cycle track. ","AnswerDate":"2009-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227476,"EventID":"S3W-20876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect its proposal to dual the A9 between Perth and Inverness will have on the National Cycle Network.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect its proposal to dual the A9 between Perth and Inverness will have on the National Cycle Network.","AnswerText":"Where any future widening of the A9 between Perth and Inverness to dual carriageway standard has an impact on the National Cycle Network, the affected cycleway will be accommodated as part of the project. ","AnswerDate":"2009-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227477,"EventID":"S3W-20877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its proposals to dual the A9 between Perth and Inverness includes the cost of reinstating the off-road cycle track following the widening of the road.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its proposals to dual the A9 between Perth and Inverness includes the cost of reinstating the off-road cycle track following the widening of the road.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20876 on 3 April 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227478,"EventID":"S3W-20878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to continue with the A9 Slochd 2+1 overtaking lane as listed in the Scottish Motorway and Trunk Road Programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to continue with the A9 Slochd 2+1 overtaking lane as listed in the Scottish Motorway and Trunk Road Programme.","AnswerText":"The improvement scheme at Slochd is estimated for completion in the summer of 2011, subject to the completion of statutory procedures. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227479,"EventID":"S3W-20879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what length of 2+1 overtaking lanes is proposed for the A9 at (a) Moy and (b) Carrbridge.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what length of 2+1 overtaking lanes is proposed for the A9 at (a) Moy and (b) Carrbridge.","AnswerText":"(a) Moy - 1.06km of 2+1 overtaking lane and (b) Carrbridge - 1.01km of 2+1 overtaking lane. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227480,"EventID":"S3W-20880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive where the proposed 2+1 overtaking lanes at (a) Moy and (b) Carrbridge will begin and end.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive where the proposed 2+1 overtaking lanes at (a) Moy and (b) Carrbridge will begin and end.","AnswerText":"The Moy scheme is located 3.8km south of the dual carriageway section of the A9 at Meall Mhor, to the west of Moy. The Carrbridge scheme will start at a point 2km south of Carrbridge to about 0.5km southwest of the village. ","AnswerDate":"2009-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227481,"EventID":"S3W-20881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many unpaid fixed penalties there have been in each of the last five years, broken down by sheriffdom.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many unpaid fixed penalties there have been in each of the last five years, broken down by sheriffdom.","AnswerText":"Conditional offers for fixed penalties in respect of certain road traffic offences are issued by procurators fiscal. In order to accept the offer, an accused must pay the penalty in full within 28 days. If the accused fails to do so, the offer lapses and the Procurator Fiscal then decides what further action to take. There is a presumption in favour of court proceedings in such cases. It is not therefore possible to accept a fixed penalty but then fail to pay it in full - and to that extent (unlike fiscal fines) there are no accepted fixed penalties that remain unpaid. We do not hold any information relating to fixed penalties issued by police forces but they too must be paid in full. \r\n12.0","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank Mulholland","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227482,"EventID":"S3W-20882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many unpaid fiscal fines there have been in each of the last five years, broken down by sheriffdom","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many unpaid fiscal fines there have been in each of the last five years, broken down by sheriffdom","AnswerText":"The Scottish Court Service assumed responsibility for collection and enforcement of fiscal penalties (fines, compensation and a combination of both) as of 10 March 2008. The responsibility for collecting fiscal fines previously lay with the district courts. The detailed information requested (from 10 March 2008) is currently being collated and I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 47909). ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227483,"EventID":"S3W-20883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the financial value has been of unpaid fiscal fines in each of the last five years, broken down by sheriffdom.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the financial value has been of unpaid fiscal fines in each of the last five years, broken down by sheriffdom.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Court Service assumed responsibility for collection and enforcement of fiscal penalties (fines, compensation and a combination of both) as of 10 March 2008. The responsibility for collecting fiscal fines previously lay with the district courts. The detailed information requested (from 10 March 2008) is currently being collated and I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 47910). ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227484,"EventID":"S3W-20884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the financial value has been of unpaid fixed penalties in each of the last five years, broken down by sheriffdom.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the financial value has been of unpaid fixed penalties in each of the last five years, broken down by sheriffdom.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20881 on 3 March 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank Mulholland","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227485,"EventID":"S3W-20885","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to recover unpaid fiscal fines in each of the last five years, broken down by sheriffdom.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to recover unpaid fiscal fines in each of the last five years, broken down by sheriffdom.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Court Service assumed responsibility for collection and enforcement of fiscal penalties (fines, compensation and a combination of both) as of 10 March 2008. The responsibility for collecting fiscal fines previously lay with the District Courts. The detailed information requested (from 10 March 2008) is currently being collated. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and a copy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib number 47853). ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227486,"EventID":"S3W-20886","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to recover unpaid fixed penalties in each of the last five years, broken down by sheriffdom.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to recover unpaid fixed penalties in each of the last five years, broken down by sheriffdom.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20881 on 3 March 2009 All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank Mulholland","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227487,"EventID":"S3W-20887","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2030,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what speech and language services are available at HMP and YOI Cortnon Vale.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what speech and language services are available at HMP and YOI Cortnon Vale.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: HMP and YOI Cornton Vale places a significant emphasis on communication support. Whilst the prison does not have a speech and language therapist there is support services available in the form of learning activities delivered within the learning centre. The prison also benefits from a Reader in Residence to encourage prisoner participation in speech and language projects. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227488,"EventID":"S3W-20888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2030,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20187 by Fiona Hyslop on 3 February 2009, whether it can confirm that no student debt has been transferred or sold since 1999 and h","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20187 by Fiona Hyslop on 3 February 2009, whether it can confirm that no student debt has been transferred or sold since 1999 and how much it received for the 1999 sale. ","AnswerText":"Further to the answer to question S3W-20187 on 2 February 2009 I can confirm that no further student loan debt has been sold or transferred since 1999. The then Scottish Executive received no additional Barnett provision as a result of this sale. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2008-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227489,"EventID":"S3W-20889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's decision not to open sports facilities in Lewis and Harris on Sundays has adequate public support.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's decision not to open sports facilities in Lewis and Harris on Sundays has adequate public support.","AnswerText":"It is for Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to determine policy on opening its own sports facilities in Lewis and Harris on Sundays. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227490,"EventID":"S3W-20890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3806,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the best interests of the people in the Western Isles would be served by allowing Sunday sailings between Stornoway and the mainland and access ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the best interests of the people in the Western Isles would be served by allowing Sunday sailings between Stornoway and the mainland and access to local facilities such as sports facilities.","AnswerText":"There are clearly very different and irreconcilable views about the potential introduction of Sunday sailings on the Ullapool to Stornoway ferry service. CalMac Ferries Ltd is best placed to consider that issue in the first instance. CalMac is keeping this issue under review pending its assessment of how the Scottish Government''s Road Equivalent Tariff pilot is impacting on ferry services to the Western Isles. It is for the owners and managers of local island facilities, such as sports facilities, to make their own decisions on opening times. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227491,"EventID":"S3W-20891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost has been of its consultation on local income tax.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost has been of its consultation on local income tax.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government''s consultation A Fairer Local Tax for Scotland involved contracted research costs of £9570.37 and publication costs of £1217.96. A total of £10,788.33 (including VAT). In addition, there was civil service staff and administration costs (such as postage and packaging) which have not been itemised. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227492,"EventID":"S3W-20892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value was of each capital allocation to NHS Tayside in each financial year since 2005-06 taking inflation into account.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value was of each capital allocation to NHS Tayside in each financial year since 2005-06 taking inflation into account.","AnswerText":"The value of the formula capital allocations to NHS Tayside from 2005-06 taking inflation into account are shown in the following table: | Year | Formula Capital Allocation £ Million | Adjusted for Inflation £ Million | | 2005-06 | 16.906 | 18.748 | | 2006-07 | 20.276 | 21.883 | | 2007-08 | 24.347 | 25.516 | | 2008-09 | 24.650 | 25.008 | | 2009-10 | 25.030 | 25.030 | The figures are adjusted for 2009-10 prices. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227493,"EventID":"S3W-20893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in the NHS Tayside area have been invited to attend bowel cancer screening since the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme was introduced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in the NHS Tayside area have been invited to attend bowel cancer screening since the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme was introduced.","AnswerText":"There is no published data for the Scottish Bowel Screening programme, as yet. Data on the Scottish Bowel Screening Pilot was published in August 2008 via the Information Services Division (ISD) website at www.isdscotland.org/isd/5728.html. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227494,"EventID":"S3W-20894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the percentage take-up has been in the NHS Tayside area of the invitation to attend bowel cancer screening since the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme was introduce","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the percentage take-up has been in the NHS Tayside area of the invitation to attend bowel cancer screening since the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme was introduced, also broken down by gender.","AnswerText":"There is no published data for the Scottish Bowel Screening programme, as yet. Data on the Scottish Bowel Screening Pilot was published in August 2008 via the Information Services Division (ISD) website on www.isdscotland.org/isd/5728.html. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227495,"EventID":"S3W-20895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in the NHS Tayside area have been diagnosed with bowel cancer since the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme was introduced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in the NHS Tayside area have been diagnosed with bowel cancer since the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme was introduced.","AnswerText":"Data on the number of people diagnosed with bowel (colorectal) cancer are available by NHS board and year (1980 to 2005) on the Information Services Division website: http://www.isdscotland.org/isd/servlet/FileBuffer?namedFile=cancer_colorectal_inc.xls&pContentDispositionType=inline. The latest year for which cancer registration data are complete is 2005. These figures include screen detected (through the pilot) and symptomatic bowel cancer diagnoses. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227496,"EventID":"S3W-20896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in the NHS Tayside area have died from colorectal cancer since the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme was introduced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in the NHS Tayside area have died from colorectal cancer since the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme was introduced.","AnswerText":"Data on the number of people who have died from colorectal cancer are available by NHS board and year (1985 to 2007) on the Information Services Division website. The latest year for which cancer mortality data are complete is 2007. http://www.isdscotland.org/isd/servlet/FileBuffer?namedFile=cancer_colorectal_mort_m.xls&pContentDispositionType=inline. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227497,"EventID":"S3W-20897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S3W-18835 and S3W-20234 by Stewart Stevenson on 8 January 2009 and 10 February 2009 respectively, what percentage of the £6.6 million","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S3W-18835 and S3W-20234 by Stewart Stevenson on 8 January 2009 and 10 February 2009 respectively, what percentage of the £6.6 million budget for Transport Strategy and Innovation the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland will receive in 2008-09.","AnswerText":"In 2008-09, the budget for the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS) is part of the wider Transport Strategy and Innovation budget. The Transport Strategy and Innovation Budget is a Level 3 figure. Current Scottish Government Finance Guidelines are that we do not publish figures below those shown in the Level 3. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227498,"EventID":"S3W-20898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland has received in each year since it was established in 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland has received in each year since it was established in 2002.","AnswerText":"From 2002-03 until 2004-05, the Mobility and Access Committee Scotland (MACS) was allocated the following budgets: 2002-03 - £100,000. 2003-04 - £200,000. 2004-05 - £200,000. From 2005-06 until 2007-08, MACS received funding from the Scottish Government''s Mobility budget. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227499,"EventID":"S3W-20899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much will be allocated to the budget for Transport Strategy and Innovation in 2009-10 and what organisations it will support.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much will be allocated to the budget for Transport Strategy and Innovation in 2009-10 and what organisations it will support.","AnswerText":"£8.6 million will be allocated to the Transport Strategy and Innovation Budget in 2009-10. As well as supporting the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland, it will support the Regional Transport Partnerships, Innovative Transport Solutions, and Passengers'' View Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2009-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227500,"EventID":"S3W-20900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the budget for Transport Strategy and Innovation in 2009-10 the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland will receive.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the budget for Transport Strategy and Innovation in 2009-10 the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland will receive.","AnswerText":"In 2009-10, the budget for the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS) will be part of the wider budget for Transport Strategy and Innovation. The MACS budget provides running cost support for the committee. The Transport Strategy and Innovation Budget is a Level 3 figure. Current Scottish Government Finance Guidelines are that we do not publish figures below those shown in Level 3. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227501,"EventID":"S3W-20901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland will hold in (a) 2008-09 and (b) 2009-10 and how these figures compare with the number of meetings that i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland will hold in (a) 2008-09 and (b) 2009-10 and how these figures compare with the number of meetings that it held in previous years.","AnswerText":"In 2008-09, the Mobility and Access Committee held two meetings of its main committee. The first of these, which took place in July 2008, was the final meeting of MACS in its previous incarnation. The second one took place on 20 January 2009. This was the initial meeting of the newly established committee, the appointments of whom were announced on 19 December 2008. In 2009-10, quarterly meetings have been arranged, but the committee will meet more often than that when business requires. The first meeting takes place on 28 April 2009. In previous years, MACS generally held main committee meetings every two months. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227502,"EventID":"S3W-20902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider siting the proposed Gogar railway station on the south side of the A8 next to the Gyle Shopping Centre and a tram stop.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider siting the proposed Gogar railway station on the south side of the A8 next to the Gyle Shopping Centre and a tram stop.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers announced on 10 December 2008 that the new railway station would be situated on the existing Fife line to the north of the A8 Gyle Roundabout. This followed consideration of a number of sites, including options on the south side of the A8. The announcement was made to the Scottish Parliament as part of the Strategic Transport Projects Review. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227503,"EventID":"S3W-20903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a delay in making a decision about the siting of the proposed Gogar railway station has resulted from a change or delay to the Transport Initiatives Edinburgh (TI","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a delay in making a decision about the siting of the proposed Gogar railway station has resulted from a change or delay to the Transport Initiatives Edinburgh (TIE) tram works programme at the Gogar depot.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers announced on 10 December 2008 that the new railway station would be situated on the existing Fife line to the north of the A8 Gyle Roundabout. The announcement was made to the Scottish Parliament as part of the Strategic Transport Projects Review. Transport Initiatives Edinburgh (TIE) tram works programme was not a consideration in determining the timing of this announcement. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227504,"EventID":"S3W-20904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish ministers have met the owners of the Gyle Shopping Centre to discuss the siting of the proposed Gogar railway station and any related transport interchan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish ministers have met the owners of the Gyle Shopping Centre to discuss the siting of the proposed Gogar railway station and any related transport interchange.","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland officials, on behalf of Scottish ministers, have met previously with William Ewart Properties Limited and will continue to have discussions with them regarding the new station. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227505,"EventID":"S3W-20905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will make an announcement on the location of the proposed Gogar railway station.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will make an announcement on the location of the proposed Gogar railway station.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers announced on 10 December 2008 that the new railway station would be situated on the existing Fife line to the north of the A8 Gyle Roundabout. The announcement was made to the Scottish Parliament as part of the Strategic Transport Projects Review. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227506,"EventID":"S3W-20906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS boards no longer use hyaluronan injections; on what basis these decisions were taken, and whether it considers that such injections should be available to patie","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS boards no longer use hyaluronan injections; on what basis these decisions were taken, and whether it considers that such injections should be available to patients irrespective of where they live.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to identify from prescribing data available centrally which NHS boards no longer use hyaluronan injections. These data relate to items dispensed in the community by community pharmacists and dispensing doctors and do not include products dispensed in hospitals or hospital-based clinics. Ultimately the decision whether or not to prescribe a treatment for a patient is a matter for the clinical judgement of the patient''s doctor, informed by advice and evidence about the treatment. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227507,"EventID":"S3W-20907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had discussions with the UK Government about providing access to the UK bus network for pensioners who are entitled to use the national concessionary trave","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had discussions with the UK Government about providing access to the UK bus network for pensioners who are entitled to use the national concessionary travel scheme and, if not, whether it will make representations to the UK Government on this matter.","AnswerText":"Discussions between the devolved administrations and the Department for Transport were held in 2006 about the possibility of mutual recognition of bus passes across the UK. There are no plans at present to introduce reciprocal concessionary travel arrangements between Scotland and other parts of the UK. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227508,"EventID":"S3W-20908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the dates, locations and agenda topics, with particular reference to local income tax, of meetings between the First Minister and members of the busi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the dates, locations and agenda topics, with particular reference to local income tax, of meetings between the First Minister and members of the business community, including Brian Souter, Donald Macdonald and Sir Tom Farmer, in 2009.","AnswerText":"The First Minister has had a number of meetings with members of the business community in 2009 to discuss matters of mutual interest. However, Local Income Tax has not been an agenda item for any of these meetings. Additionally, the First Minister has not met with Brian Souter, Donald Macdonald or Sir Tom Farmer in 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227509,"EventID":"S3W-20909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the dates, locations and agenda topics, with particular reference to local income tax, of meetings between the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sust","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the dates, locations and agenda topics, with particular reference to local income tax, of meetings between the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth and members of the business community, including Brian Souter, Donald Macdonald and Sir Tom Farmer, in 2009.","AnswerText":"The Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth has had a number of meetings with members of the business community in 2009 to discuss matters of mutual interest. However, local income tax has not been an agenda item for any of these meetings and the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth has not met with Brian Souter, Donald Macdonald or Sir Tom Farmer in 2009 to discuss local income tax. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227510,"EventID":"S3W-20910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the dates, locations and agenda topics, with particular reference to local income tax, of meetings between that the Minister for Enterprise, Energy a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the dates, locations and agenda topics, with particular reference to local income tax, of meetings between that the Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism and members of the business community, including Brian Souter, Donald Macdonald and Sir Tom Farmer, in 2009.","AnswerText":"The Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism has had a number of meetings with members of the business community in 2009 to discuss matters of mutual interest. However, local income tax has not been an agenda item for any of these meetings. Additionally, the Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism has not met with Brian Souter, Donald Macdonald or Sir Tom Farmer in 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227511,"EventID":"S3W-20911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a financial cost associated with an independence referendum.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a financial cost associated with an independence referendum.","AnswerText":"The forthcoming Referendum Bill will be accompanied by a detailed Financial Memorandum which will set out the government''s best estimates of the cost of holding the referendum. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227512,"EventID":"S3W-20912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail all occasions on which the First Minister has visited a care home since May 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail all occasions on which the First Minister has visited a care home since May 2007.","AnswerText":"The First Minister visited the Erskine Home for Veterans on 6 February 2008. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227513,"EventID":"S3W-20913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail all occasions on which the First Minister has visited a homelessness project since May 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail all occasions on which the First Minister has visited a homelessness project since May 2007.","AnswerText":"The First Minister has supported a variety of homelessness initiatives, including: Hosting reception for Scotland''s victorious Homeless World Cup team on 25 September 2007. Interview with The Big Issue magazine on 16 January 2008. Speaking at International Network of Street Papers conference on 18 June 2008. Speaking at Aberdeen Cyrenians event on 3 July 2008. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227514,"EventID":"S3W-20914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level-playing-field support for school building programmes local authorities have received from it since May 2007, broken down by local authority. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level-playing-field support for school building programmes local authorities have received from it since May 2007, broken down by local authority. ","AnswerText":"Level playing field support (LPFS) for those authorities with LPFS schools projects, stemming from arrangements set in train in 1998, is included within the block grant element of the annual local government finance settlement. The amount paid annually to each of the 10 authorities is set out in the following table: | | £ Million | | Aberdeenshire | 1.40 | | East Renfrewshire | 1.25 | | Edinburgh | 6.62 | | Falkirk | 8.64 | | Fife | 3.68 | | Glasgow | 14.67 | | Highland | 1.55 | | Midlothian | 3.12 | | Stirling | 1.59 | | West Lothian | 1.92 | | Total | =SUM(ABOVE) 44.44 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227515,"EventID":"S3W-20915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3811,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19562 by Maureen Watt on 29 January 2009, whether it will provide details of the procurement route for each of the 152 schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19562 by Maureen Watt on 29 January 2009, whether it will provide details of the procurement route for each of the 152 schools.","AnswerText":"Of the 152 schools, 92 were procured under public private partnerships (PPP) or non-profit distributing (NPD) arrangements and 60 under other arrangements. Precise details of procurement routes for local authority school projects are not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227516,"EventID":"S3W-20916","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the housing allocations for (a) 2008-09 and (b) 2009-10, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the housing allocations for (a) 2008-09 and (b) 2009-10, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"The Affordable Housing Investment Programme allocations for 2009-10 were announced at the Chartered Institute of Housing Conference on 10 March in Aberdeen and are available on the Scottish Government website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Housing/investment/ahip/ahip-2009-10/. They are shown here for ease of reference and include comparisons with 2007-08 and 2008-09 allocations. Affordable Housing Investment Programme 2009-10 Planned Expenditure by Local Authority 2009-10 | Local Authority Area/ Programme | 2007-08 Original Approved Programme | 2008-09 Original Approved Programme | 2009-10 Planned Programme | | Core Programme | Top-Sliced | Total | Core Programme | Top-Sliced | Total | Core Programme | Top-Sliced | Total | | £m | £m | | £m | £m | £m | £m | £m | £m | | North | | | | | | | | | | | Highland | 29.225 | 7.100 | 36.325 | 26.620 | 0.500 | 27.120 | 32.125 | 0 | 32.125 | | Orkney | 5.904 | 0.096 | 6.000 | 5.033 | 0 | 5.033 | 7.904 ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227517,"EventID":"S3W-20917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to implement the recommendation of the Housing Supply Task Force to investigate existing models of delivery coordination within the United Kingdom","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to implement the recommendation of the Housing Supply Task Force to investigate existing models of delivery coordination within the United Kingdom to support development plan action programmes.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is carefully considering how it can respond to the various recommendations addressed to it in the Housing Supply Task Force report. Planning Circular 1/2009, published on 16 February, provides planning authorities with advice on the production of development plan action programmes. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227518,"EventID":"S3W-20918","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average social housing rents were for (a) 2007 and (b) 2008, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average social housing rents were for (a) 2007 and (b) 2008, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"Statistics on average local authority rents are published on the Housing Statistics for Scotland website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Housing-Regeneration/HSfS/HRA2008-09. Statistics on average Registered Social Landlord (RSL) rents are published by the Scottish Housing Regulator at: http://www.scottishhousingregulator.gov.uk/stellent/groups/public/documents/webpages/shr_amendment151208-statsfront.hcsp#TopOfPage. Average weekly rents for the last two years, broken down by local authority area, for local authorities and RSLs are shown in table 1 and table 2 respectively. Table 1 “ Local Authority Average Weekly Rents | Local Authority Area | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | | Aberdeen City | 48.84 | 51.96 | | Aberdeenshire | 44.81 | 46.90 | | Angus | 40.11 | 41.96 | | Argyll and Bute | na | na | | Clackmannanshire | 43.73 | 45.30 | | Dumfries and Galloway | na | na | | Dundee City | 48.41 | 50.34 | | East Ayrshire | 44.85 | 46.80 | | East Dunbartonshire | 49.97 | 51.69 | | East Lothian | 37.42 | 38.85 | | East Renfrewshire | 45.06 | 46.56 | | Edinburgh, City of | 54.82 | 61.57 | | Eilean Siar | We have established a Repossessions Group, comprising representatives of the legal system, lenders, advice agencies and consumer interests. The group has been asked to provide advice to ministers by 30 April 2009 on whether the legal protection for homeowners in Scotland at risk of repossession provided through UK and Scottish legislation is adequate. If required, the group has been asked to make specific recommendations on ways in which either reserved or devolved legislation should be strengthened. We are also improving access to legal advice and legal aid for those facing repossession, debt and other financial difficulties. We have made an additional £3 million available over the next two years to expand our in-court advice and other legal advice services, and we have agreed to increase the disposable income limits for civil legal aid, so that over a million more Scots can become potentially eligible from this spring. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227520,"EventID":"S3W-20920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to ensure that financial safeguards for householders facing repossession are robust.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to ensure that financial safeguards for householders facing repossession are robust.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has taken a number of non-legislative measures to protect home owners in financial difficulty. The £35 million Home Owners Support Fund helps those who cannot access support elsewhere to stay in their homes through the Mortgage to Rent and Mortgage to Shared equity schemes. The report of the evaluation of the Mortgage to Rent scheme was published in January on the Scottish Government website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/12/11115931/0, and a revised scheme will be launched on 16 March, alongside the new Mortgage to Shared Equity scheme. We have also funded a £400,000 awareness raising campaign for National Debtline, including TV and online advertising, to encourage people to tackle debt problems at an early stage. An evaluation of the campaign is underway. We are providing an additional £1 million to Citizens Advice to increase the capacity of face to face debt advice services. The Scottish Government''s Repossessions Group will also consider whether any further legislative or non-legislative measures could be taken to protect home owners at risk of repossession. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227521,"EventID":"S3W-20921","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to ensure that local authorities comply with section 11 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to ensure that local authorities comply with section 11 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006.","AnswerText":"Section 11 of the Homelessness etc (Scotland) Act 2003 requires landlords and creditors to notify local authorities when raising proceedings for possession. The section does not apply directly to local authorities by virtue of section 11(1)(a) and does not place particular requirements on local authorities on receipt of notices. The timetable for section 11 coming into force on 1 April 2009 was agreed with COSLA and guidance on the action to be taken when receiving notices has been developed in consultation with local authorities and other stakeholders and is currently available in draft on the Scottish Government''s website. This will be finalised, taking account of further comments from stakeholders, by the end of this month. Broader guidance on the prevention of homelessness, developed jointly with COSLA, will also be published shortly. Scottish Government officials have undertaken a number of awareness raising activities to ensure that landlords, creditors, local authorities, advice agencies and others are aware of section 11 coming into force, including distributing fliers; establishing bespoke web pages, and attending conferences and seminars. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227522,"EventID":"S3W-20922","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to ensure that local authorities have support systems in place for householders facing repossession.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to ensure that local authorities have support systems in place for householders facing repossession.","AnswerText":"From 1 April 2009, under section 11 of the Homelessness etc (Scotland) Act 2003, lenders will be required to inform the relevant local authority when they call in a mortgage or take court action for repossession. This will give authorities early notice of households who might be at risk of homelessness and allow them to provide appropriate advice and assistance. We are also developing new guidance for local authorities on prevention of homelessness which will be published by the end of March. The 1 April implementation date for the introduction of section 11, and the guidance on prevention, have both been agreed with COSLA to ensure that local authorities are appropriately prepared. In addition, mortgage rescue schemes (Mortgage to Rent and Mortgage to Shared Equity) are operated nationally by the Scottish Government under the £35 million Home Owners Support Fund. Scottish local authorities with social landlord functions may participate in Mortgage to Rent, purchasing homes from people eligible for the scheme and providing a tenancy in return. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227523,"EventID":"S3W-20923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to record and monitor housing support services provided by local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to record and monitor housing support services provided by local authorities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government published annual statistical information from local authorities on housing support services delivered under the Supporting People programme. Following the end of the programme, we consulted with local authorities and other stakeholders on the continuing need for this statistical information and the practical issues of obtaining it. We will shortly publish the responses to the consultation and a decision on future reporting. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227524,"EventID":"S3W-20924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that information on housing support services provided by local authorities is made available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that information on housing support services provided by local authorities is made available.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government makes available information on housing support services provided by both local authorities and other providers on the House Key website: www.thehousekey.org. The site aims to provide good quality information about housing support services throughout Scotland for both service users, providers and housing and social care professionals. It includes a Directory of Housing Support Services, divided into housing support services; sheltered and retirement housing, and home adaptation and repair services. The Scottish Government published annual statistical information from local authorities on housing support services delivered under the Supporting People programme. Following the end of the programme, we consulted with local authorities and other stakeholders on the continuing need for this statistical information and the practical issues of obtaining it. We will shortly publish the responses to the consultation and a decision on future reporting. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227525,"EventID":"S3W-20925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made towards its target of building 21,500 affordable homes by 2011.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made towards its target of building 21,500 affordable homes by 2011.","AnswerText":"The government has a target of approving 21,500 affordable homes over the three year period 2008-11. We plan to approve over 6,000 homes by the end of financial year 2008-09. Our recently announced programme for 2009-10 has a target of at least 6,500 unit approvals. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227526,"EventID":"S3W-20926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pensioners who were assessed as eligible but not prioritised have received a central heating system under the central heating programme since 22 May 2009.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pensioners who were assessed as eligible but not prioritised have received a central heating system under the central heating programme since 22 May 2009.","AnswerText":"Only applicants in the priority groups announced on 22 May 2008 and again on 18 October 2008, have gone on to receive a central heating system under the programme. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227527,"EventID":"S3W-20928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Schools of Ambition conference has taken place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Schools of Ambition conference has taken place.","AnswerText":"Two conferences were held on 4 and 12 June 2008 for local authority representatives and school staff to share emerging lessons from the Schools of Ambition Programme. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227528,"EventID":"S3W-20929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has published a report on the Schools of Ambition conference.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has published a report on the Schools of Ambition conference.","AnswerText":"A report on emerging learning and lessons from the first year of the Schools of Ambition programme, Research to Support Schools of Ambition, Annual Report 2007 was published in December 2007. It was presented at the two conferences for local authority and school staff held in June 2008. A second report was published in October 2008. Both reports are available on the Schools of Ambition website at: http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/schoolsofambition/about/schoolsofambitionresearch.asp. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227529,"EventID":"S3W-20930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been a final evaluation of the Schools of Ambition programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been a final evaluation of the Schools of Ambition programme.","AnswerText":"No, because the Schools of Ambition programme has another year to run. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227530,"EventID":"S3W-20931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Schools of Ambition are continuing with their programmes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Schools of Ambition are continuing with their programmes.","AnswerText":"The first tranche of 21 schools are already reflecting on their experiences and considering how they will sustain ambition and change beyond their three years on the programme. They will also be involved in future events designed to share learning from the programme with the wider school sector and as mentors for the remaining 37 schools on the programme. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227531,"EventID":"S3W-20932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the sources and amounts of funding for the Determined to Succeed programme, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the sources and amounts of funding for the Determined to Succeed programme, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has made available a total of £153 million for delivery of Determined to Succeed since the inception of the programme in 2003-04 to the end of the current spending review period. Of this, £127.8 million has been allocated to local authorities and £25.2 milion has been retained by the Scottish Government for the development of national activity to support and complement local delivery. | Local Authority | Total | | Aberdeen City | £ 4,043,660 | | Aberdeenshire | £ 7,458,913 | | Angus | £ 3,210,079 | | Argyll and Bute | £ 2,684,097 | | Clackmannanshire | £ 1,252,201 | | Dumfries and Galloway | £ 4,633,597 | | Dundee | £ 3,177,598 | | East Ayrshire | £ 3,113,017 | | East Dunbartonshire | £ 2,934,008 | | East Lothian | £ 2,396,984 | | East Renfrewshire | £ 2,573,242 | | Edinburgh City | £ 7,833,826 | | Eilean Siar | £ 1,132,541 | | Falkirk | £ 3,289,893 | | Fife | £ 8,604,430 | | Glasgow City | £ 11,878,618 | | Highland | £ 6,904,528 | | Inverclyde | £ 2,036,655 | | Midlothian | £ 2,152,939 | | Moray | £ 2,625,838 | | North Ayrshire | £ 3,554,626 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227532,"EventID":"S3W-20933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to provide further support for healthy living centres in 2009-10.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to provide further support for healthy living centres in 2009-10.","AnswerText":"I am pleased to announce that the Scottish Government will continue the Healthy Living Centre (HLCs) transition fund in 2009-10. The fund will allow further time for HLCs to secure sustainable local funding for their services. We will provide up to £70,000 per HLC in 2009-10. The fund will continue to be administered by local health boards using a rigorous set of criteria, similar to that in 2008-09, including HLCs having very good prospects of achieving sustainability by March 2010. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227533,"EventID":"S3W-20934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the review of the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) by Peter Cook will include a survey of the cost to crofters and farmers of preparing applications fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the review of the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) by Peter Cook will include a survey of the cost to crofters and farmers of preparing applications for support from the scheme and will compare that cost with the cost of applying to the agricultural support schemes that the SRDP replaced.","AnswerText":"Although being carried out over a relatively short timescale the SRDP first stage review is wide-ranging and will be carried out primarily through face-to-face meetings with and written contributions from stakeholder organisations. As part of the Terms of Reference for the first stage review Peter Cook will look at further improvements to the application procedures to ensure all elements of the programme are easily accessible to applicants. Rural Priorities applicants can already claim financial assistance towards completing an Outcome Plan, an integral part of the application. Further information about the levels of assistance available, and the applications process itself, can be found on the Rural Priorities website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Rural/SRDP/RuralPriorities/HowItWorks. Comparator data on the cost to applicants of applying for support through the SRDP compared to through previous agricultural support schemes is not available. However, we do have data on the Rural Stewardship Scheme (RSS) that confirms that 6.53% of RSS applications were prepared without the use of an agent. That has risen significantly under Rural Priorities to almost 28%. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227534,"EventID":"S3W-20935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the review of the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) by Peter Cook will include a survey to assess the percentage of crofters and farmers who employed an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the review of the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) by Peter Cook will include a survey to assess the percentage of crofters and farmers who employed an agent to prepare their applications for support from the scheme and will compare that percentage with the percentage that used agents to prepare applications for support under the agricultural support schemes that the SRDP replaces.","AnswerText":"Statistical information on whether applicants made use of an agent will be taken into consideration by the SRDP first stage review. I can confirm however that as at February 2009, from a total of 5,100 Statements of Intent received through Rural Priorities, 72% had been prepared with the help of an agent. I should point out the figure covers all eligible applications under Rural Priorities and not only from farmers and foresters. The only comparator data available relating to any of the previous agricultural support schemes is for the Rural Stewardship Scheme (RSS) where just over 93% of applications were prepared with the help of an agent. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227535,"EventID":"S3W-20936","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the review of the Scotland Rural Development Programme by Peter Cook will investigate how many crofters and farmers have encountered difficulties in making their ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the review of the Scotland Rural Development Programme by Peter Cook will investigate how many crofters and farmers have encountered difficulties in making their online applications for support from the scheme and how many did not apply or did not complete an application because applications could only be made online.","AnswerText":"The only element of the Scotland Rural Development Programme that is currently exclusively on line is the Rural Priorities (RP) delivery mechanism. We are very encouraged with the uptake of RP thus far with over 5,100 Statements of Intent received and a total of £57.2 million of funding approved to a variety of eligible groups, not just farmers and crofters. In recognition that Rural Priorities, a competitive scheme, is very different to previous support programmes, and to assist potential beneficiaries, a series of workshops and surgeries have been undertaken by Scotland''s Environmental and Rural Services (SEARS) staff and organisations such as the National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS) to provide an initial introduction to Rural Priorities. Other assistance we have put in place to aid applicants includes: Identifying liaison officers in every Region to develop local solutions to internet access; Working with BT to extend broadband coverage across rural Scotland; Providing IT helpdesk to assist with login problems; Providing applicants with information about alternative local internet access points; Providing training material to NFUS for use in one-to-one surgeries across the country; Part-funding for applicants who choose to use agents'' services; Funding SCVO and the Crofters'' Commission to provide assistance for community groups wishing to submit applications, and Exploring the possibility of providing computer access within local SEARS offices. Nonetheless if the review produces evidence that the Rural Priorities application process could be made easier for applicants, then this is something we would want to address. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227536,"EventID":"S3W-20937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the review of the Scotland Rural Development Programme by Peter Cook will assess whether sufficient government staff resources had been provided so that applicant","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the review of the Scotland Rural Development Programme by Peter Cook will assess whether sufficient government staff resources had been provided so that applicants whose applications have failed can be given detailed advice on the reasons for their rejection and on how their applications could be amended in order to be successful.","AnswerText":"All those seeking funding through the SRDP are provided with feedback if their application is unsuccessful. In particular, under the Rural Priorities delivery mechanism, a Case Officer is assigned to each applicant to help them to develop their Statement of Intent which in turn should increase the chances of that application being successful. Therefore applicants are receiving continual feedback on their proposal. A re-worked proposal can be resubmitted at any time. However, if the first stage review identifies staff resourcing as an issue then the Scottish Government will consider how to address such findings. In recognition that Rural Priorities, a competitive scheme, is very different to previous support programmes, and to assist potential beneficiaries, a series of workshops and surgeries have been undertaken by SEARS staff and organisations such as NFU Scotland to provide an initial introduction to Rural Priorities. Other assistance we have put in place to aid applicants includes: Identifying liaison officers in every region to develop local solutions to internet access; Working with BT to extend broadband coverage across rural Scotland; Providing an IT helpdesk to assist with login problems; Providing applicants with information about alternative local internet access points; Providing training material to NFUS for use in one-to-one surgeries across the country; Part-funding for applicants who choose to use agents'' services; Funding SCVO and the Crofters'' Commission to provide assistance for community groups wishing to submit applications; Exploring the possibility of providing computer access within local SEARS offices. In particular under the Rural Priorities delivery mechanism, a Case Officer is assigned to each applicant to help them to develop their Statement of Intent which in turn should increase the chances of that application being successful. Therefore applicants are receiving continual feedback on their proposal. Unsuccessful applicants receive feedback on why their application has not been successful. A re-worked proposal can be resubmitted at any time. However, if the first stage review identifies staff resourcing as an issue then the Scottish Government will consider how to address such findings. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227537,"EventID":"S3W-20938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many stages will follow the first stage of the review of the Scotland Rural Development Programme by Peter Cook; whether it will provide details of the work to be und","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many stages will follow the first stage of the review of the Scotland Rural Development Programme by Peter Cook; whether it will provide details of the work to be undertaken in those stages, and what the expected duration is of each stage.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has recently issued an on-going evaluation contract which will assist the statutory Programme Monitoring Committee in its work in monitoring progress of the programme to ensure the SRDP delivers on its objectives. The Rural Development Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 requires a mid-term evaluation to be undertaken in 2010. This evaluation will be able to propose measures to improve the quality of the SRDP and its implementation if necessary. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227538,"EventID":"S3W-20939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when any changes to the terms of the Scotland Rural Development Programme that could be made as the result of the review by Peter Cook are expected to be made.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when any changes to the terms of the Scotland Rural Development Programme that could be made as the result of the review by Peter Cook are expected to be made.","AnswerText":"We hope to take decisions on the SRDP first stage review in May and any work on amending the SRDP will begin thereafter. Depending on the nature of any changes resulting from the review, it is expected that we will have to submit a formal modification to the Programme to the European Commission which we will do as soon as reasonably possible following the review. EU legislation gives the Commission six months to consider any modification however we will be able to implement separately any changes which do not require formal approval by the Commission. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227539,"EventID":"S3W-20940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any changes to the terms of the Scotland Rural Development Programme that could be made as the result of the review by Peter Cook will include the introduction of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any changes to the terms of the Scotland Rural Development Programme that could be made as the result of the review by Peter Cook will include the introduction of a scheme for crofters with small agriculture units.","AnswerText":"The SRDP already includes a specialist scheme for crofters, namely the Crofting Counties Agricultural Grants Scheme (CCAGS). In addition to CCAGS, substantial financial support to crofters is available from the SRDP through the non-competitive Less Favoured Area Support Scheme and Rural Development Contracts, Land Managers Options delivery mechanisms. All of these mechanisms will be considered as part of the SRDP first stage review. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227540,"EventID":"S3W-20941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether applicants to the Scotland Rural Development Programme whose applications are turned down, either by a Regional Proposal Assessment Committee (RPAC) or by Scottis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether applicants to the Scotland Rural Development Programme whose applications are turned down, either by a Regional Proposal Assessment Committee (RPAC) or by Scottish ministers, will receive a full written explanation setting out the detailed reasons for rejection of their applications and copies of all documentation considered by the RPAC or by ministers.","AnswerText":"Unsuccessful applicants to Rural Priorities are given a full explanation of why they were unsuccessful and can discuss any questions with the case officer who dealt with the application. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227541,"EventID":"S3W-20942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19341 by Shona Robison on 20 January 2009, whether it will provide an answer that specifically addresses the points raised in the q","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19341 by Shona Robison on 20 January 2009, whether it will provide an answer that specifically addresses the points raised in the question.","AnswerText":"There was extensive consultation during the Crerar Review, which reported in 2007, on the proposals for change to the scrutiny landscape. I had discussions on the proposals with the Convenor of the Care Commission and the Chairs of the Boards of NHS Quality Improvement Scotland and the Mental Welfare Commission Scotland, both prior to and following the announcement on 6 November 2008 on the creation of new scrutiny bodies for health and social care. The Scottish Government announced on 13 February that while the Mental Welfare Commission will still be part of the simplification programme we will step back at this time from taking its functions in to either the new health or new social care body. We will be engaging directly with the bodies and their stakeholders on the way forward while reviewing the Mental Welfare Commission''s operations and how best to take it forward as part of the simplification programme. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227542,"EventID":"S3W-20943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":71,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the criteria will be for applications for funding from the £60 million Town Centre Regeneration Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the criteria will be for applications for funding from the £60 million Town Centre Regeneration Fund.","AnswerText":" I refer the member to answer to question S3W-20618 on 26 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227543,"EventID":"S3W-20944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":71,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that the £60 million announced for the Town Centre Regeneration Fund is spent on town centre regeneration.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that the £60 million announced for the Town Centre Regeneration Fund is spent on town centre regeneration.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20618 on 26 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227544,"EventID":"S3W-20945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2029,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":71,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what formula will be used to allocate the £60 million announced for town centre regeneration.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what formula will be used to allocate the £60 million announced for town centre regeneration.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20618 on 26 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227545,"EventID":"S3W-20946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Transport Scotland in relation to the introduction of the new Caledonian Express service between Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverley v","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Transport Scotland in relation to the introduction of the new Caledonian Express service between Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverley via Shotts.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20947 on 9 March 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227546,"EventID":"S3W-20947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2059,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had input to discussions with Network Rail or Transport Scotland regarding where the new Caledonian Express service should stop and what the Scottish Gover","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had input to discussions with Network Rail or Transport Scotland regarding where the new Caledonian Express service should stop and what the Scottish Government’s position was.","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland is part of the Scottish Government and has had discussions with ScotRail and Network Rail concerning the timetable practicalities associated with the introduction of a new fast service between Glasgow Central and Edinburgh. It is proposed that the new service will call at Bellshill, Shotts, West Calder, Livingston South and Haymarket. The presence of the new West Coast Mainline Services for London Euston prevent the inclusion of Uddingston in the stopping pattern. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227547,"EventID":"S3W-20948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20289 by Fiona Hyslop on 12 February 2009, what proportion of (a) primary and (b) secondary school pupils has access to programmes ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20289 by Fiona Hyslop on 12 February 2009, what proportion of (a) primary and (b) secondary school pupils has access to programmes aiming to help to reduce the carrying of knives and knife crime among young people.","AnswerText":"All schools can access such materials, for example through the Violence Reduction Unit''s website www.actiononviolence.com. It is up to individual schools, youth organisations and local authorities to decide when and which programmes to access on the dangers of illegal knife carrying, as they are best placed to judge the needs of the children and young people in their communities. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227548,"EventID":"S3W-20949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20289 by Fiona Hyslop on 12 February 2009, what programmes are currently running in schools in each local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20289 by Fiona Hyslop on 12 February 2009, what programmes are currently running in schools in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227549,"EventID":"S3W-20950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20289 by Fiona Hyslop on 12 February 2009, what proportion of school children has had access to the (a) Knife City DVD and (b) It’s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20289 by Fiona Hyslop on 12 February 2009, what proportion of school children has had access to the (a) Knife City DVD and (b) It’s Jist for Protection performance by young people in the last 12 months, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227550,"EventID":"S3W-20951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20289 by Fiona Hyslop on 12 February 2009, what the target audience is for the (a) Knife City DVD and (b) It’s Jist for Protection ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20289 by Fiona Hyslop on 12 February 2009, what the target audience is for the (a) Knife City DVD and (b) It’s Jist for Protection performance by young people","AnswerText":"The target audience for both the Knife City DVD and the It''s Jist for Protection performance is young people from the P7 age-group upwards. Further information on these resources can be accessed through the Violence Reduction Unit''s website at www.actiononviolence.com. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227551,"EventID":"S3W-20952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20289 by Fiona Hyslop on 12 February 2009, what criteria is used to evaluate the effectiveness of programmes such as the (a) Knife ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20289 by Fiona Hyslop on 12 February 2009, what criteria is used to evaluate the effectiveness of programmes such as the (a) Knife City DVD and (b) It’s Jist for Protection performance by young people in reducing offending behaviour.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is fully committed to getting knives off our streets and is taking direct action to tackle this issue. On 4 March 2009, we hosted the first national youth conference on violence and knife crime, which brought together over 80 young people from across Scotland and provided them with a platform to discuss what other action could be taken to tackle the problem. On the same day, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice launched No Knives Better Lives, our new £500,000 youth engagement initiative which will work directly with young people to educate them about the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife. This work will support other initiatives that we have recently announced, such as Medics Against Violence, which will see senior medics in Glasgow working directly with young people about the dangers of carrying a knife, and the groundbreaking Community Initiative to Reduce Violence (CIRV) project, in which our £1.6 million investment will support partners'' efforts in tackling gang violence in Glasgow. All of this work has been informed by the good work that is being delivered in Scotland and beyond and we will continue to look for examples of good practice, both in Scotland and those developed by others such as the Home Office, that will have a positive impact. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227552,"EventID":"S3W-20953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20289 by Fiona Hyslop on 12 February 2009, whether it has recently commissioned research into how effective such programmes are in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20289 by Fiona Hyslop on 12 February 2009, whether it has recently commissioned research into how effective such programmes are in reducing offending behaviour.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20952 on 11 March 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227553,"EventID":"S3W-20954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20289 by Fiona Hyslop on 12 February 2009, whether it is developing or plans to introduce new programmes aimed at helping to reduce","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20289 by Fiona Hyslop on 12 February 2009, whether it is developing or plans to introduce new programmes aimed at helping to reduce the carrying of knives and knife crime among young people.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20952 on 11 March 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227554,"EventID":"S3W-20955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20289 by Fiona Hyslop on 12 February 2009, what discussions it has had with the Home Office with regard to the sharing of good prac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20289 by Fiona Hyslop on 12 February 2009, what discussions it has had with the Home Office with regard to the sharing of good practice on education programmes aimed at helping to reduce the carrying of knives and knife crime among young people.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20952 on 11 March 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227555,"EventID":"S3W-20956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20289 by Fiona Hyslop on 12 February 2009, whether it is aware of any programmes in England that have been particularly successful ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20289 by Fiona Hyslop on 12 February 2009, whether it is aware of any programmes in England that have been particularly successful at reducing offending behaviour and that could be applied in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20952 on 11 March 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227556,"EventID":"S3W-20957","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it considers to be the typical profile of a knife carrier.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it considers to be the typical profile of a knife carrier.","AnswerText":"The national Violence Reduction Unit “ firmly established as the centre of expertise in tackling violence “ consider the typical profile of a knife carrier to be: a young male aged 16 to 24 who has left school with no formal qualifications, is likely to be unemployed, and will usually reside in a deprived community. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227557,"EventID":"S3W-20958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that young people are more likely to be victims of knife crime than adults.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that young people are more likely to be victims of knife crime than adults.","AnswerText":"The national Violence Reduction Unit “ firmly established as the centre of expertise in tackling violence “ consider that young people are generally more at risk of being the victims of knife crime, although this will vary from community to community. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227558,"EventID":"S3W-20959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current campaign by the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency highlighting the ethical impact of cocaine abuse that targets university students to change","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current campaign by the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency highlighting the ethical impact of cocaine abuse that targets university students to change attitudes and reduce demand for cocaine will be rolled out to all higher education institutions.","AnswerText":"This campaign was piloted at Strathclyde University and it has already been rolled out to all other universities. Following evaluation it may be rolled out to all further education establishments. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227559,"EventID":"S3W-20960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current campaign by the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency highlighting the ethical impact of cocaine abuse that targets university students to change","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current campaign by the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency highlighting the ethical impact of cocaine abuse that targets university students to change attitudes and reduce demand for cocaine will also be rolled out to all further education institutions.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20959 on 11 March 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227560,"EventID":"S3W-20961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the current campaign by the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency highlighting the ethical impact of cocaine abuse that targets university students to c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the current campaign by the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency highlighting the ethical impact of cocaine abuse that targets university students to change attitudes and reduce demand for cocaine, whether similar campaigns are planned for other groups in society.","AnswerText":"The SCDEA has a number of campaigns in operation aimed at reducing demand for drugs. These include campaigns that highlight the ethical impact of cocaine abuse and are aimed at various groups in society. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227561,"EventID":"S3W-20962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is offering student associations with the dissemination to students of information on drug misuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is offering student associations with the dissemination to students of information on drug misuse.","AnswerText":"Student Associations do not receive support to disseminate information on drug misuse. Information is available to all members of the public, including students, through Know the Score, the national drugs information campaign. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227562,"EventID":"S3W-20963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has provided student associations with funding to assist with the dissemination of information to students on drug misuse and, if so, how much, broken down by ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has provided student associations with funding to assist with the dissemination of information to students on drug misuse and, if so, how much, broken down by institution.","AnswerText":"No funding has been provided to student associations to assist with the dissemination of information to students on drug misuse. Information is available to all members of the public, including students, through Know the Score, the national drugs information campaign. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227563,"EventID":"S3W-20964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates to be the proportion of the student population that abuses cocaine on a regular basis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates to be the proportion of the student population that abuses cocaine on a regular basis.","AnswerText":"We do not hold the necessary data to estimate cocaine abuse in the student population. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227564,"EventID":"S3W-20965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates to be the proportion of the student population that experiments with cocaine at some point during their time at university.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates to be the proportion of the student population that experiments with cocaine at some point during their time at university.","AnswerText":"We do not hold the necessary data to estimate cocaine abuse in the student population. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227565,"EventID":"S3W-20966","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has recently undertaken into drug misuse among students.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has recently undertaken into drug misuse among students.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Crime and Justice Survey gives an indication of illicit drug use in those aged 16 years and above, although this excludes those living in communal accommodation such as student halls. The Scottish Government is currently engaged in a comprehensive review of drug misuse research and information on behalf of the Scottish Advisory Committee on Drugs Misuse (SACDM) National Drug Evidence Group. This expert group will advise Scottish ministers on research priorities required to deliver the national drugs strategy. The review includes assessment of the current evidence base on students and other populations. ","AnswerDate":"2009-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227566,"EventID":"S3W-20967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that university students are more likely to abuse (a) cocaine and (b) other illegal drugs than other groups in society.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that university students are more likely to abuse (a) cocaine and (b) other illegal drugs than other groups in society.","AnswerText":"We do not hold the necessary data to compare cocaine or other drug abuse in the student population with that of other groups in society. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227567,"EventID":"S3W-20968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any group in society that on average is more likely to abuse (a) cocaine and (b) other illegal drugs and, if so, what action it is taking.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any group in society that on average is more likely to abuse (a) cocaine and (b) other illegal drugs and, if so, what action it is taking.","AnswerText":"Our national drugs strategy, The Road to Recovery, states that there are associations between deprivation, health inequalities and problematic drug use. Studies have shown that there is a clear link between problem use of heroin and crack cocaine and deprivation. In addition to the programme of action set out in the drugs strategy, the Government is implementing a range of reforms that will directly address the underlying causes of drug misuse. This includes the Ministerial Task Force On Health Inequalities ˜Equally Well'' report; the government''s poverty framework Achieving Our Potential: a Framework to tackle poverty and income inequality in Scotland, and the Government''s Economic Strategy. These are available on the Scottish Government website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/Recent. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227568,"EventID":"S3W-20969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of a report in the Evening News on 12 February 2009 of increased quantities of cocaine being seized by the police, what action it intends to take to curb the su","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of a report in the Evening News on 12 February 2009 of increased quantities of cocaine being seized by the police, what action it intends to take to curb the supply of cocaine.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency (SCDEA) works with and in support of the Scottish Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to tackle, disrupt and dismantle serious organised crime groups with an emphasis on the trafficking of Class A drugs and money laundering through targeted intelligence, interventions and enforcement activity. It has done this very successfully. In 2006-07 the SCDEA and police in Scotland recovered over 93.5kg of cocaine, an increase of more than 16kg from the previous year. Collaboration with UK and international partners is also providing the opportunity to tackle the upstream trade in cocaine. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227569,"EventID":"S3W-20970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of a report in the Evening News on 12 February 2009 that some £2.1 million in Class A drugs were seized in Edinburgh by Lothian and Borders Police between April","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of a report in the Evening News on 12 February 2009 that some £2.1 million in Class A drugs were seized in Edinburgh by Lothian and Borders Police between April and December 2009, what the corresponding figure was for other police forces in the same period.","AnswerText":"The information requested is currently being collected and is not yet available centrally. Information on drugs seizures in Scotland will be published in June 2009 in the statistical bulletin Drug Seizures by Scottish Police Forces, 2007-08 and 2008-09. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227570,"EventID":"S3W-20971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it estimates cocaine misuse to cost the NHS on an annual basis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it estimates cocaine misuse to cost the NHS on an annual basis.","AnswerText":"Robust estimates of the cost of cocaine misuse to the NHS are not currently available. We have commissioned a research project, currently underway, which will produce an initial estimate of the size/value of illicit drug markets in Scotland, and of the economic and social costs associated with illicit drug use. This research is due to be published in late spring 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227571,"EventID":"S3W-20972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much VisitScotland spent on the promotion of (a) walking, (b) cycling, (c) golf and (d) wildlife tourism in the last 12 months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much VisitScotland spent on the promotion of (a) walking, (b) cycling, (c) golf and (d) wildlife tourism in the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"VisitScotland''s marketing budget for 2007-08 was £29.5 million. This includes spend on the promotion of activities such as walking, cycling, golf and wildlife tourism. Their marketing is based on sophisticated market research which identifies what the consumer needs and desires in a trip to Scotland, and allows them to focus spending in order to generate the maximum economic value for Scotland. Walking, cycling, golf and wildlife tourism are promoted across a range of market segments and as part of a wide variety of campaigns. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227572,"EventID":"S3W-20973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of visitors to Scotland take part in walking activities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of visitors to Scotland take part in walking activities.","AnswerText":"In 2007 there were almost 16 million visitor trips to Scotland, 5.3 million of which enjoyed walking as part of their trip. So, almost one third of visitors to Scotland participate in walking activities of some kind during their stay, with a value of £1.3 billion to the Scottish economy. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227573,"EventID":"S3W-20974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much walking tourism contributes to the economy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much walking tourism contributes to the economy.","AnswerText":"VisitScotland figures for 2007 show that where walking was the main purpose of a visit to Scotland, it generated £244 million for the Scottish economy. Moreover, a high number of visitors enjoy walking more generally as part of a wider trip to Scotland. Where walking is cited as an activity in such visits, the value of these trips is £1.3 billion. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227574,"EventID":"S3W-20975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of people meets the recommended levels of physical activity.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of people meets the recommended levels of physical activity.","AnswerText":"The official source of statistics on physical activity is the Scottish Health Survey. The most recent results currently available are for 2003, although the survey is in the field again now and results for 2008 will be available in September 2009 and annually thereafter. The guideline levels of physical activity for adults and children are as follows: Adults “ 30 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous activity on at least five days in the week prior to the survey, and Children “ At least 60 minutes participation in physical activity on all seven days prior to the survey. Table 1: Proportion of adults and children meeting the physical activity guidelines in 2003, Proportion Meeting the Physical Activity Guidelines (%) | Adults (aged 16+ years) | Male | 42 | | Female | 30 | | Children (aged 2-15 years) | Boys | 74 | | Girls | 63 | Source: Scottish Health Survey 2003. Breakdowns of adults and children meeting the physical activity guidelines are also available by age, social class, income and Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation from the Scottish Health Survey 2003 report: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2005/11/25145024/50251 [Chapters 4 in both the adults and children reports]. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227575,"EventID":"S3W-20976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of people meets the recommended levels of physical activity through walking.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of people meets the recommended levels of physical activity through walking.","AnswerText":"The official source of statistics on physical activity is the Scottish Health Survey. The most recent results currently available are for 2003, although the survey is in the field again now and results for 2008 will be available in September 2009 and annually thereafter. The guideline levels of physical activity for adults and children are as follows: Adults “ 30 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous activity on at least five days in the week prior to the survey, and Children “ At least 60 minutes participation in physical activity on all seven days prior to the survey. The calculation of total physical activity levels sums responses to individual questions about participation in all different types of activity in the week prior to the survey (including walking, activity at work, sport participation). It is possible that some respondents meet the physical activity guidelines through moderate to vigorous walking alone, but Scottish Health Survey figures on this are not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227576,"EventID":"S3W-20977","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the health and wellbeing budget is spent on encouraging walking.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the health and wellbeing budget is spent on encouraging walking.","AnswerText":"We are funding Paths to Health with £3 million from 2008 to 2011 through the physical activity part of the health and wellbeing budget. The Scottish Government''s Take Life On communications campaign promotes the health and mental wellbeing benefits of walking, alongside messages on healthy eating and alcohol moderation. From the campaign launch in June 2008 to the present, £300,000 has been invested from the health and wellbeing budget on communications across all three of these constituent topics. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227577,"EventID":"S3W-20978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of children walked to primary school in (a) 1987, (b) 1997 and (c) 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of children walked to primary school in (a) 1987, (b) 1997 and (c) 2007.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Household Survey collects information on the percentage of children walking to school from 1999 onwards. Results for pupils aged 4-11 are shown in the following table: | | Walking (%) | Sample size (=100%) | | 1999 | 59.6 | 1,500 | | 2000 | 60.9 | 2,056 | | 2001 | 56.9 | 1,996 | | 2002 | 63.6 | 1,888 | | 2003 | 57.2 | 1,833 | | 2004 | 57.6 | 1,895 | | 2005 | 58.5 | 1,840 | | 2006 | 58.7 | 1,808 | | 2007 | 58.9 | 1,420 | There is no comparable data available pre 1999. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227578,"EventID":"S3W-20979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many projects funded by the Climate Challenge Fund contained an element encouraging walking.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many projects funded by the Climate Challenge Fund contained an element encouraging walking.","AnswerText":"In the first year of the Climate Challenge Fund 56 projects across Scotland have been awarded funds to reduce their carbon emissions. Their details are listed on the Climate Challenge Fund website www.infoscotland.co.uk/climatechallengefund. Six of these projects contain elements to encourage walking or other forms of sustainable travel: Strathdon School Path (Aberdeenshire) “ £25,000 to construct an off-road all abilities path to allow children to walk or cycle to Strathdon Primary School from local areas; Active Leith (Edinburgh) “ £282,935 to tailor travel plans and establish an incentive scheme to encourage local residents to shop locally; Biketown Huntly (Aberdeenshire) “ £47,318 to work through a series of community driven proposals to make Huntly a car free eco-town; Stepping Stanes Youth Cycling Club Coach Development Project (Dumfries) “ £2,700 to encourage young people to use bikes; Strathpeffer to Dingwall all abilities community link (Highlands) “ £12,000 for a feasibility study for the development of an all abilities cycle track, and Recyke-a-bike (Stirling) - £182,350 to increase the availability and use of recycled bicycles. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227579,"EventID":"S3W-20980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many kilometres of core paths have been planned by local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many kilometres of core paths have been planned by local authorities.","AnswerText":"The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 requires the 32 local authorities and the two National Park authorities to draw up a system of core paths sufficient to give the public reasonable access throughout their area. This work is not yet complete for all access authorities and it will only be possible to provide data on the total length and nature of the paths when all plans have been adopted. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227580,"EventID":"S3W-20981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the core paths in local authority plans are new paths.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the core paths in local authority plans are new paths.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20980 on 26 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227581,"EventID":"S3W-20982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of car journeys are under one mile.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of car journeys are under one mile.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Household Survey Travel Diary collects information on the proportion of car journeys less than one mile. Results are shown in the following table: Table 1: Proportion of Car Journeys Under One Mile | | Driver (%) | Passenger (%) | Driver and Passengers (%) | Sample Size Drivers + Passengers (=100%)* | | 1999 | 17.9 | 18.9 | 18.1 | 18,206 | | 2000 | 20.2 | 18.8 | 19.8 | 18,672 | | 2001 | 20.2 | 19.5 | 20.1 | 18,615 | | 2002 | 19.5 | 19.4 | 19.5 | 18,036 | | 2003 | 19.2 | 18.5 | 19.0 | 18,390 | | 2004 | 19.3 | 19.1 | 19.3 | 18,096 | | 2005 | 19.2 | 16.9 | 18.7 | 17,081 | | 2006 | 17.9 | 16.1 | 17.5 | 16,977 | Note: *Passengers account for 20%. These are the latest figures available. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227582,"EventID":"S3W-20983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of ministerial journeys is made on foot or by public transport.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of ministerial journeys is made on foot or by public transport.","AnswerText":"The information sought could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. However, ministers have used public transport and have walked to and from events in recent months and plan to do so in future, when appropriate opportunities present themselves. They will continue to make travel choices based on the nature of diary engagement, the location of engagements, security considerations and what business needs to be conducted while travelling. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227583,"EventID":"S3W-20984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much additional funding is being made available to ensure a legacy of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much additional funding is being made available to ensure a legacy of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.","AnswerText":"We believe that by using the catalyst of the games, we can get more out of existing resources to deliver a legacy. In shaping our legacy ideas with our wide range of delivery partners, we are being imaginative in how we can use the games to lend impetus to existing or planned programmes. We will also explore other possible funding routes to turn what would be a good legacy into a great legacy. We have already bid for the return of £150 million lottery funds diverted from Scotland to help fund the London 2012 Games and will explore with the private sector and other potential funders possible ways in which they can support the development of community-based legacy. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227584,"EventID":"S3W-20985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it proposes that local authorities measure success in meeting national indicator 37 to increase the proportion of adults making one or more visits to the outdoors per","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it proposes that local authorities measure success in meeting national indicator 37 to increase the proportion of adults making one or more visits to the outdoors per week.","AnswerText":"Single outcome agreements between the Scottish Government and each local authority set out how the authority''s activities will contribute to delivery of the national outcomes and indicators included in the National Performance Framework. The Scottish Recreation Survey includes information from respondents on visits to the outdoors for leisure and recreation during the previous 12 months. Progress on this and other national indicators is reported on the Scottish Government website http://www.scotland.gov.uk/home. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227585,"EventID":"S3W-20986","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much additional funding is being made available to promote walking and walking tourism during Homecoming Scotland 2009.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much additional funding is being made available to promote walking and walking tourism during Homecoming Scotland 2009.","AnswerText":"There is no dedicated additional funding for the promotion of walking during the Homecoming Year, however, walking is already heavily promoted by VisitScotland across a wide range of marketing activities and walking features within the Homecoming programme with 16 separate walking events. £30,000 is being provided towards the Homecoming: The John Muir Odyssey in East Lothian from April to June and £7,000 towards In the Footsteps of the Reivers in the Borders in September. In addition, there are further events in the Homecoming programme that contain walking activities, including The Outsider festival in June which is receiving £30,000. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227586,"EventID":"S3W-20987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pedestrian deaths at level crossings, other than suicides, there have been in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pedestrian deaths at level crossings, other than suicides, there have been in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The numbers of pedestrian deaths at level crossings in Scotland, other than suicides, in each year since 1999 are: | 1999 | 0 | | 2000 | 1 | | 2001 | 2 | | 2002 | 0 | | 2003 | 1 | | 2004 | 0 | | 2005 | 0 | | 2006 | 0 | | 2007 | 0 | 2007 is the latest year that figures have been published for. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227587,"EventID":"S3W-20988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pedestrian deaths at level crossings, other than suicides, have resulted in a fatal accident inquiry in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pedestrian deaths at level crossings, other than suicides, have resulted in a fatal accident inquiry in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"Both the British Transport Police and the Office of Rail Regulation carried out an accident investigation into each of the four recorded pedestrian deaths at level crossings and submitted a report to the Procurator Fiscal. Procurator Fiscal records are not structured in a manner that makes it possible to confirm if any of these four pedestrian deaths were followed up by a fatal accident inquiry. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227588,"EventID":"S3W-20989","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the criteria are for one-to-one assistance for small and medium-sized enterprises by the Business Gateway and when the criteria were last revised.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the criteria are for one-to-one assistance for small and medium-sized enterprises by the Business Gateway and when the criteria were last revised.","AnswerText":"Business Gateway advice services are provided in lowland Scotland under contracts let by Scottish Enterprise in October 2007 to successful contractors following a competitive tender exercise. The management of these contracts was transferred to 12 lead local authorities in the Scottish Enterprise area in April 2008. Delivery of advice under the contracts as let is targeted as follows: Customers expected to trade at less than the VAT threshold are referred to the Business Gateway website and the one to many tools and workshops available on line. This includes the opportunity for a one-to-one session at a meet the advisor workshop; Customers expected to trade above the VAT threshold receive one-to-one advice to assist in their progression to a VAT+ trading position within 12 months of start-up, and Customers expected to achieve or increase turnover of more than £400,000 within three years receive one-to-one advice in agreement with Scottish Enterprise as part of the growth pipeline. Additional one-to-one support in this customer group is in preparation for entry to the Scottish Enterprise Account Management portfolio within 12 months. We are currently in discussions with COSLA and the Scottish Local Authorities Economic Development (SLAED) Group representatives regarding the Business Gateway process and delivery segmentation to ensure that it remains fit for purpose during this period of economic challenge. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227589,"EventID":"S3W-20990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has been given to extending eligibility for enhanced measures under the Energy Assistance Package to pensioners in receipt of attendance allowance but ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has been given to extending eligibility for enhanced measures under the Energy Assistance Package to pensioners in receipt of attendance allowance but not the guarantee credit element of pension credit.","AnswerText":"I can confirm that Attendance Allowance is a qualifying benefit for the Energy Assistance Package. Pensioners in the private sector who receive Attendance Allowance will be eligible for enhanced measures under stage 4 of the package if they live in a home with very poor energy efficiency. They would also, like anyone over 60, be eligible if they have never had central heating installed. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227590,"EventID":"S3W-20991","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are in place to enable disabled peoples’ organisations to be involved in formulating policies to tackle fuel poverty.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are in place to enable disabled peoples’ organisations to be involved in formulating policies to tackle fuel poverty.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Fuel Poverty Forum''s remit includes monitoring the implementation of the new Energy Assistance Package; the Forum plans to set up an Equalities Working Group to ensure its work is inclusive. An equalities impact assessment has been carried out on the new package. Publication of this is imminent. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227591,"EventID":"S3W-20992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what circumstances the planning system provides for adjacent owners to be compensated for adverse impact of a development on the value of their properties.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what circumstances the planning system provides for adjacent owners to be compensated for adverse impact of a development on the value of their properties.","AnswerText":"There are no circumstances where the planning system provides for compensation for adverse impact of a development on the value of adjacent properties. The planning system does not exist to protect the interests of one person or business against the activities of another. In determining a planning application, consideration will be given to a range of issues including the extent to which a proposal may affect the amenity and existing use of land and buildings which ought to be protected in the public interest, not whether owners or occupiers of neighbouring properties would experience financial or other loss from a particular development. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227592,"EventID":"S3W-20993","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has been given to the introduction of compensation payments for adjacent owners where planning applications, for wind turbines or other developments, a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has been given to the introduction of compensation payments for adjacent owners where planning applications, for wind turbines or other developments, are judged to have had an adverse impact on the value of their properties.","AnswerText":"There are no plans at present to consider the introduction of compensation under the planning system for owners of land adjacent to wind turbines, or indeed any other developments, in regard to potential adverse impact on the value of their property. The planning system does not exist to protect the interests of one person or business against the activities of another. In determining a planning application, consideration will be given to a range of issues including the extent to which a proposal may affect the amenity and existing use of land and buildings which ought to be protected in the public interest, not whether owners or occupiers of neighbouring properties would experience financial or other loss from a particular development. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227593,"EventID":"S3W-20994","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the number of occasions on which Cold Weather Payments have been triggered in each of the last five years, broken down by each of the weather s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the number of occasions on which Cold Weather Payments have been triggered in each of the last five years, broken down by each of the weather stations to which Scottish properties are linked by The Social Fund Cold Weather Payments (General) Amendment Regulations 2008 (SSI 2008/2569).","AnswerText":"The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has provided the following information: Number of Times Each Weather Station has Triggered Each Year | Weather Station | Admin Area | Area | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | | Aultbea | Highland | Scotland | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | Aviemore | Highland | Scotland | 4 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 5 | | Bishopton | Renfrewshire | Scotland | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | | Boulmer | Northumberland | Borders | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | Braemar | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | 4 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 6 | | Carlisle | Cumbria | Borders | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | | Cassley | Highland | Scotland | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | | Charterhall | Scottish Borders | Borders | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | 1 | 2 | | Dundrennan | Dumfries and Galloway | Scotland | ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227595,"EventID":"S3W-20996","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has issued to licensing boards on the content and implementation of codes of conduct or codes of practice for the holders of off-sales licences.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has issued to licensing boards on the content and implementation of codes of conduct or codes of practice for the holders of off-sales licences.","AnswerText":"Development of such codes are a matter for licensing boards. The Scottish Government has not issued guidance in this respect. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227596,"EventID":"S3W-20997","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20102 by Shona Robison on 4 February 2009, whether it will review the funding arrangements for Orkney Islands Council to enable its","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20102 by Shona Robison on 4 February 2009, whether it will review the funding arrangements for Orkney Islands Council to enable its waiting list of direct payment applications to be eased and whether it will consider granting transitional funding in light of the council’s limited scope to make cuts in other areas to fund direct payments.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government will be providing local government in Scotland with record levels of funding over the period covered by the spending review 2008-11. The vast majority of the funding, including the funding for self-directed support, is provided by means of a block grant. It is the responsibility of each local authority to allocate the total financial resources available to it to achieve agreed outcomes, and the Scottish Government will monitor performance to make sure that our shared national priorities are achieved. It is not for the Scottish Government to intervene in how local authorities organise these services. However, Orkney Islands Council and NHS Orkney are working with the Scottish Government Joint Improvement Team to look into redesigning services to support more integrated working across health and social care. In addition, the Scottish Government is funding three local authority test sites (Dumfries and Galloway, Glasgow and Highland Councils) to evaluate the effectiveness of three different interventions to increase the uptake of self-directed support, including bridging finance (investing to save). ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227597,"EventID":"S3W-20998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3896,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20102 by Shona Robison on 4 February 2009, whether it considers there to be a contradiction between the statement that there is no ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20102 by Shona Robison on 4 February 2009, whether it considers there to be a contradiction between the statement that there is no intention to withdraw existing direct payments in Orkney and the number of recipients of direct payments in Orkney between 2007 and 2008 dropping by 33% while the number rose in most other council areas and what the reasons are for its position on the matter.","AnswerText":"The decline in numbers of direct payments recipients in Orkney between financial years 2006-07 and 2007-08 equates to a drop in service user numbers of 15. Orkney Council have explained the drop citing a number of reasons, including four deaths, changes in levels of need and one person moving from the area. Orkney Council have said that no direct payments have been withdrawn from individuals in receipt who wished to carry on with their packages. The budget allocated to direct payments by the council remains constant and has not been reduced. Work continues locally within the council to review the use and funding of direct payments. There are early indications that the number of clients in receipt of direct payments will increase from financial year 2007-08 to 2008-09. Ultimately, self-directed support is a matter of choice for individuals. However, we are developing a strategy with a reference group and funding a number of pieces of work, including three local authority test sites, to improve the uptake of self-directed support across Scotland. Scottish Government officials are about to undertake visits to each local authority over the next year to fully understand the local circumstances affecting uptake with a view to informing the self-directed support strategy and, if necessary, legislation. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227598,"EventID":"S3W-20999","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20227 by Nicola Sturgeon on 28 January 2009, what changes will be made to the inspection regime for all care services as a result o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20227 by Nicola Sturgeon on 28 January 2009, what changes will be made to the inspection regime for all care services as a result of the new targeted and proportionate regulation system currently being introduced.","AnswerText":"The regime used to inspect registered care services is an operational matter for the Care Commission. Information about how the Care Commission carries out inspections can be obtained from its Chief Executive at the following address: Ms Jacquie Roberts Chief Executive Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care Compass House 11 Riverside Drive Dundee DD14NY E: Jacquie.roberts@carecommission.com. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227599,"EventID":"S3W-21000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in providing an appropriate number of in-patient places in child and adolescent psychiatry services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in providing an appropriate number of in-patient places in child and adolescent psychiatry services.","AnswerText":"We are working closely with NHS boards to ensure that the number of specialist in-patient beds match need and demand. For children, there are nine beds, provided on a national basis, at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (Yorkhill). For adolescents, a new facility opened on 25 February in the West of Scotland with 24 beds. Consideration of local and regional needs are still underway in the North around plans to increase the current six beds to 12, and in the South East who currently have 12 beds. We have also offered £2 million of new money on a recurring basis, to be matched by new resources from NHS boards, to accelerate the development of specialist CAMHS in-patient services and supporting intensive community services. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227600,"EventID":"S3W-21001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Town Centre Regeneration Fund will be available to Business Improvement Districts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Town Centre Regeneration Fund will be available to Business Improvement Districts.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20618 on 26 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227601,"EventID":"S3W-21002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive by what means local authorities and others can access the Town Centre Regeneration Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive by what means local authorities and others can access the Town Centre Regeneration Fund.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-20618 on 26 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227602,"EventID":"S3W-21003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which section of the Scottish Government will oversee the allocation of the Town Centre Regeneration Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which section of the Scottish Government will oversee the allocation of the Town Centre Regeneration Fund.","AnswerText":"Regeneration Division within the Housing and Regeneration Directorate is at present considering the detail of the Town Centre Regeneration Fund, including provision for administration and allocation. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227603,"EventID":"S3W-21004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all notified cases of the 078 strain of Clostridium difficile, broken down by hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all notified cases of the 078 strain of Clostridium difficile, broken down by hospital.","AnswerText":"As at February 2009, there has been 16 isolates of 078 strain of Clostridium difficile reported, detailed in the following table: | Board | No. of Isolates | Relevant Hospitals | | Ayrshire and Arran | 4 | 1 “ Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock 1 “ Biggart Hospital, Prestwick 2 “ Community based (from GP samples) | | Fife | 2 | 1 - Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy 1 - Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline | | Grampian | 1 | 1 - Aberdeen Royal Infirmary | | Greater Glasgow and Clyde | 4 | 1 - Southern General Hospital 1 - Stobhill Hospital 1 - Victoria Infirmary 1 “ Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley | | Highland | 1 | 1 - Belford Hospital, Fort William | | Lothian | 2 | 1 “ Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh 1 “ Royal Victoria Hospital | | Tayside | 2 | 1 “ Ninewells Hospital, Dundee 1 “ Perth Royal Infirmary | | Total | 16 | | ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227604,"EventID":"S3W-21005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has the power to grant absolute rights for the continuation of existing activities within a marine special area of conservation at the point of introduction.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has the power to grant absolute rights for the continuation of existing activities within a marine special area of conservation at the point of introduction.","AnswerText":"It would not be appropriate to grant any absolute rights in this way. European law does not allow member states to state that all existing activities would be allowed to continue at the point of introduction of a marine special area of conservation. However, the normal expectation will continue to be that designation of a site as a marine special area of conservation would not be a barrier to the continuation of existing activities which have been conducted in a responsible manner. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227605,"EventID":"S3W-21006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it would define responsible fishing activities within a marine special area of conservation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it would define responsible fishing activities within a marine special area of conservation.","AnswerText":"Within a marine Special Area of Conservation fishing activities that abide by fisheries regulations and which do not impact on the favourable condition of the feature of interest are considered to be responsible fishing activities. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227606,"EventID":"S3W-21007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it recognises the important role that Midlothian Healthy Living Project plays in developing healthy lifestyles and preventing ill-health in Midlothian.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it recognises the important role that Midlothian Healthy Living Project plays in developing healthy lifestyles and preventing ill-health in Midlothian.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government recognises the valuable contribution that community health initiatives can make to encouraging healthy lifestyle choices, improving health and reducing health inequalities. We also recognise that community health initiatives must meet specific local needs and that successful projects can only be delivered through effective partnership working between local community planning partners, including those from the public and the third sector. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227607,"EventID":"S3W-21008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to act to prevent closure of Midlothian Healthy Living Project on 31 March 2009 and, if so, what action it will take.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to act to prevent closure of Midlothian Healthy Living Project on 31 March 2009 and, if so, what action it will take.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government announced on 23 February 2009 that it would extend the transition funding for healthy living centres for another year to the end of March 2010. This funding is intended to support the continuation of those healthy living centres that have the support of local funding partners and have good prospects of achieving long-term sustainability. The funding will be administered by the relevant local health board and decisions to apply for funding will rest with local community planning partners. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227608,"EventID":"S3W-21009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it receives in Barnett consequentials from the UK Government in respect of the Train to Gain scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it receives in Barnett consequentials from the UK Government in respect of the Train to Gain scheme.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government receives Barnett consequentials on any changes to funding for comparable spending in Whitehall Departments. It is then for Scottish ministers to decide how these funds should be allocated in Scotland. As spending review consequentials are calculated at a highly aggregated level on the basis of changes to Whitehall Departments'' funding rather than on individual programmes, it is not possible to identify consequentials as a result of individual schemes. The Scottish Government has not received additional funding through consequentials in 2008-09 triggered by changes to the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills Whitehall Departmental Expenditure Limit. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227609,"EventID":"S3W-21010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the absence of a Train to Gain scheme in Scotland puts businesses at a competitive disadvantage to their English counterparts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the absence of a Train to Gain scheme in Scotland puts businesses at a competitive disadvantage to their English counterparts.","AnswerText":"A recent Ofsted evaluation of Train to Gain demonstrates that despite significant levels of funding and uptake by employers, there was little evidence of Train to Gain driving an increased demand from employers for training. A previous evaluation had indicated that programme deadweight levels could be over 80%. The Scottish Government is committed to supporting businesses and helping them address their skills needs. Skills Development Scotland is working with employers and Sector Skills Council to ensure that publicly funded skills interventions address the needs of both businesses and individuals in Scotland. \r\n","AnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227610,"EventID":"S3W-21011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the reasons for the training allowance for long-term unemployed people in Scotland being £1,500 less than that in England.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the reasons for the training allowance for long-term unemployed people in Scotland being £1,500 less than that in England.","AnswerText":"The UK Government recently announced that up to £2,500 would be available to employers recruiting those who were over six months unemployed. This comprises £1,000 from the Department for Work and Pensions as a golden hello, and £1,500 through Train to Gain. This is not a training allowance for the long-term unemployed “ it will be paid to employers. People who are out of work in Scotland can access a range of training including Training for Work, the national vocational training programme for the unemployed, which aims to provide the skills individuals require to access specific job opportunities. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227611,"EventID":"S3W-21012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning applications have been considered by the Cairngorms National Park Authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning applications have been considered by the Cairngorms National Park Authority.","AnswerText":"The Cairngorms National Park Authority took on its planning function in September 2003 and since then many hundreds of planning applications have been considered for possible call-in by the park authority. All planning applications determined by the park authority can be viewed on their website. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227612,"EventID":"S3W-21013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning applications were refused by the Cairngorms National Park Authority on grounds of nature conservation value (the Sandford principle).","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning applications were refused by the Cairngorms National Park Authority on grounds of nature conservation value (the Sandford principle).","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-21012 on 26 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227613,"EventID":"S3W-21014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the specific nature conservation reasons were for planning applications being refused by the Cairngorms National Park Authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the specific nature conservation reasons were for planning applications being refused by the Cairngorms National Park Authority.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to answer to question S3W-21012 on 26 February 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227614,"EventID":"S3W-21015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the operational period is of each of the 64 remodelled management agreements created during 2006 under section 68 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 through the dire","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the operational period is of each of the 64 remodelled management agreements created during 2006 under section 68 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 through the direction of Scottish ministers.","AnswerText":"The operational period of each of the 62 remodelled management agreements is three years. They end at various times between April and September 2009 (see following list). In accordance with the original direction, a review is being carried out. The Minister for Communities and Sport asked the Scottish Housing Regulator (the Regulator) to carry out the review and, in January 2009, the regulator issued a consultation paper setting out the proposed terms of its review of directions under Section 68A of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001. Glasgow Housing Association (GHA), the local housing associations (LHOs) and other interested parties were asked to provide feedback on the Regulator''s proposals by 27 February 2009. Feedback is currently being considered by the Regulator and a finalised paper will be issued by the end of March. Management-Only LHOs | LHO | RMA Direction End Date | | Tenant Managed Homes (TMH) Drumchapel | 13 April 2009 | | Tenant Controlled Housing | 13 April 2009 | | New Shaws Housing Organisation | 13 April 2009 | | Great Western Tenants Partnership | 13 April 2009 | | Castlemilk Tenants HA | 13 April 2009 | | Cairnbrook HA | 13 April 2009 | | Royston Corridor Homes LHO | 13 April 2009 | | South West HA | 13 April 2009 | | Milton Community Homes (subsidiary) | 13 April 2009 | | Castle Stuart HA (subsidiary) | 13 April 2009 | | Compass LHO | 13 April 2009 | | Unity Homes HA | 13 April 2009 | | Tower Homes LHO (subsidiary) | 13 April 2009 | | Orchard Grove HA | 28 April 2009 | | Levernwood HA | 28 April 2009 | | Mosspark HA | 28 April 2009 | | Clydeside Tenants Partnership | 28 April 2009 | | Keystone Tenant Managed Homes | 28 April 2009 | | Parkview LHO | 28 April 2009 | | For All Cranhill Tenants (FACT) | 28 April 2009 | | Pollok Tenants Choice | 28 April 2009 | | A list of these registered social landlords and their LHO partners is provided, containing stock numbers covered by each agreement. RSLs with Sub Committee LHOs | RSL | LHO | LHO Stock Number | | Ardenglen HA | Ardenglen HA LHO | 277 | | Blairtummock HA | Blairtummock LHO | 186 | | Blairtummock HA | Rogerfield LHO | 293 | | Calvay HA | Stepforward LHO | 403 | | Cathcart HA | Cathcart HA LHO | 306 | | Cernach HA | Cernach HA LHO | 605 | | Gardeen H Co-op | Gardeen H Co-op LHO | 92 | | Glasgow West HA | Argyle LHO (Anderston) | 520 | | Glasgow West HA | Hyndland LHO | 139 | | Glen Oaks HA | Glen Oaks HA LHO (Darnley) | 363 | | Glen Oaks HA | Glen Oaks HA LHO (Pollok) | 644 | | Govanhill HA | Govanhill HA LHO | 632 | | Govanhill HA | Merrylee LHO | 147 | | Maryhill HA | Maryhill LHO | 2,668 | | Milnbank HA | Milnbank HA LHO | 907 | | New Gorbals HA | New Gorbals HA LHO | 2,415 | | North Glasgow HA | North Glasgow HA ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227616,"EventID":"S3W-21017","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many management-only local housing organisations entered into a remodelled management agreement with Glasgow Housing Association in 2006 and how many homes were cover","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many management-only local housing organisations entered into a remodelled management agreement with Glasgow Housing Association in 2006 and how many homes were covered by each agreement.","AnswerText":"Twenty-eight Management-only Local Housing Organisations entered into a remodelled management agreement (RMA) with Glasgow Housing Association in 2006. A list of these Local Housing Organisations is provided below, containing stock numbers covered by each agreement. The RMA''s were created under section 68A of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 through the direction of Scottish ministers. In accordance with the original direction, a review is being carried out. The Minister for Communities and Sport asked the Scottish Housing Regulator (the Regulator) to carry out the review and, in January 2009, the Regulator issued a consultation paper setting out the proposed terms of its review of directions under the above act. GHA, the LHOs and other interested parties were asked to provide feedback on the Regulator''s proposals by 27 February. Feedback is currently being considered by the Regulator and a finalised paper will be issued by the end of March. Management-Only RSLs | LHO | Parent RSL | Subsidiary / LHO Stock Numbers | | Cairnbrook HA | | 815 | | Castle Stuart HA | Cassiltoun HA | 535 | | Castlemilk Tenants HA | | 1,934 | | Clydeside Tenants Partnership | | 2,542 | | Clydeview Housing Partnership | | 3,343 | | Compass LHO | | 3,996 | | East End Community Homes | | 1,624 | | For All Cranhill Tenants (FACT) | | 1,149 | | Garscadden & Speirs Housing Organisation | | 384 | | Great Western Tenants Partnership | | 2,531 | | Kennishead Ave Local Management (KALM) | | 699 | | Keystone Tenant Managed Homes | | 2,651 | | Lambhill HA | Hawthorn Co-op | 311 | | Levernwood HA | Rosehill Co-op | 199 | | Milton Community Homes | Cube HA | 1,895 The first set of directions was issued in April 2006 under section 68A of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001. At that time, we said that we would carry out a review in year two of their operation. We issued a consultation paper on the terms of our review in January 2009, and it is now underway. It would not have been appropriate to carry out our review of the directions and Remodelled Management Agreement (RMA) until now. When we inspected Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) in 2007, we recommended that it carry out a fundamental review of its purpose and direction. It has been important for us to take account of GHA''s emerging proposals for future tenant empowerment and its progress with Second Stage Transfer when considering our proposals for the future management of directions. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227618,"EventID":"S3W-21019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is content with the processes and timescales set out by the Glasgow Housing Association and the Scottish Housing Regulator for reviewing and, thereafter, direc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is content with the processes and timescales set out by the Glasgow Housing Association and the Scottish Housing Regulator for reviewing and, thereafter, directing the extension of remodelled management agreements with registered social landlords in the regulator’s guidance of January 2009.","AnswerText":"It is the responsibility of the Scottish Housing Regulator to set out the process and the timescale for reviewing the remodelled management agreement. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227619,"EventID":"S3W-21020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reasons Scottish ministers propose to delegate to the Scottish Housing Regulator powers to direct Glasgow Housing Association to delegate housing management func","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what reasons Scottish ministers propose to delegate to the Scottish Housing Regulator powers to direct Glasgow Housing Association to delegate housing management functions to registered social landlords on expiry of the existing 64 remodelled management agreements in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"The delegation of the review and the issuing of any future directions to the Scottish Housing Regulator are in line with the Ministerial Code of Practice, which explains the Scottish Housing Regulator''s role as follows: The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 sets out the powers available to ministers in regulating and inspecting registered social landlords and local authorities in their housing and homelessness functions. But we recognise that these powers must be exercised at arms length from Ministers. So, as a matter of policy, we have set up The Scottish Housing Regulator to exercise these powers in a fair and impartial way, free from any inappropriate influence. (Foreword by the Cabinet Secretary). The code then goes on to set out ministers'' expectations about the way that the Scottish Housing Regulator will exercise the powers contained within the 2001 act. As a government agency, the Scottish Housing Regulator has complete operational independence. But it remains accountable to Scottish ministers, and through them to the Scottish Parliament for the standard of its work. Consultation on the forthcoming Housing Bill is planned and that will offer all an opportunity to comment debate and discuss the future of regulation. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227620,"EventID":"S3W-21021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timescales were for achieving a ballot in each of the three groups of initiatives approved by the Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) Board in October 2007 and whe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timescales were for achieving a ballot in each of the three groups of initiatives approved by the Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) Board in October 2007 and whether Scottish ministers and the Scottish Housing Regulator are content with the progress and timescales set by the GHA for its programme of second-stage transfers.","AnswerText":"The timescales set out by the GHA Board in October 2007 have been subject to discussion with the Local Housing Organisations pursuing second stage transfer. No detailed timescales were set for ballots in October 2007, only estimated timescales for the submission of business plans from purchasers in three diets (but no future diets). Progress with each SST is a matter for GHA and the respective Local Housing Organisation. The timescales need to be realistic and reflect a pace of activity which both parties can meet. The Scottish Executive welcomes the first five transfers which are due to take place later this month and is keen to see this momentum maintained. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227621,"EventID":"S3W-21022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is content with the progress made by Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) on the second-stage transfer (SST) programme approved by its board in October 2007 and t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is content with the progress made by Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) on the second-stage transfer (SST) programme approved by its board in October 2007 and the timescales for SST initiatives detailed in the comprehensive improvement plan submitted by the GHA to the Scottish Housing Regulator.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to answer to question S3W-21021 on 10 March 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227622,"EventID":"S3W-21023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there have been any delays in the timescales set out by the Deputy First Minister for the submission of the comprehensive improvement plan by Glasgow Housing Asso","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there have been any delays in the timescales set out by the Deputy First Minister for the submission of the comprehensive improvement plan by Glasgow Housing Association to the Scottish Housing Regulator in response to the critical inspection report of June 2007.","AnswerText":"I have asked Karen Watt, Chief Executive of The Scottish Housing Regulator, to respond. Her response is as follows: We published our report on our inspection of Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) on 18 September 2007. In accordance with our published guidance, we required GHA to submit an improvement plan to us within eight weeks of publication of the report. An initial version of the plan was submitted within this timescale, on 13 November 2007. We provided GHA with our comments on the plan, as is usual practice. GHA produced subsequent revisions and a final version was submitted on 1 February 2008. This version of the plan was then agreed by us. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227623,"EventID":"S3W-21024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the comprehensive improvement plan submitted by Glasgow Housing Association to the Scottish Housing Regulator and the new grant conditions are r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the comprehensive improvement plan submitted by Glasgow Housing Association to the Scottish Housing Regulator and the new grant conditions are resulting in satisfactory progress with local management and community ownership.","AnswerText":"The improvement plan submitted to the Scottish Housing Regulator does not set out detailed timescales for Second Stage Transfer (SST). Progress with each SST is a matter for Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) and the respective Local Housing Organisations. The timescales need to be realistic and reflect a pace of activity which both parties can meet. The Scottish Executive welcomes the first five transfers which are due to take place later this month and is keen to see this momentum maintained. The Scottish Housing Regulator required GHA to undertake a fundamental review of its purpose and direction as part of the improvement planning process, and to consider the future of SST as part of this. GHA''s proposals for future tenant empowerment are set out in its draft business plan. The Review of Grants is not yet concluded and has a clear objective in relation to SST, that the outcomes of the Review will not compromise the delivery of the GHA Second Stage Transfer programme. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227624,"EventID":"S3W-21025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is providing written comment and direction on Glasgow Housing Association’s consultation draft 2009-10 business plan, Above and Beyond - Shaping a New Vision f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is providing written comment and direction on Glasgow Housing Association’s consultation draft 2009-10 business plan, Above and Beyond - Shaping a New Vision for GHA, and whether Scottish ministers were consulted before the draft was circulated.","AnswerText":"The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing wrote directly to GHA on 9 February 2009, providing comments on GHA''s consultation draft Business Plan 2009-2010, Above and Beyond. Earlier drafts were made available to ministers. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227625,"EventID":"S3W-21026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timetable is for negotiating and agreeing revised management agreements between Glasgow Housing Association and local housing organisations and what the process ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timetable is for negotiating and agreeing revised management agreements between Glasgow Housing Association and local housing organisations and what the process is for consultation on this.","AnswerText":"I have asked Karen Watt, Chief Executive of The Scottish Housing Regulator, to respond. Her response is as follows: In January 2009, the Scottish Housing Regulator issued a consultation paper setting out the proposed terms of its review of directions issued under section 68A of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001. The paper sets out proposals for issuing new directions to Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) and local housing organisations (LHOs) when their current management arrangements come to an end between April and September 2009. We asked GHA, the LHOs and other interested parties to give feedback on our proposals by 27 February. We are currently considering this feedback and will issue our final proposals by the end of March. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227626,"EventID":"S3W-21027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it remains committed to the transfer of all Glasgow Housing Association stock to local tenant organisations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it remains committed to the transfer of all Glasgow Housing Association stock to local tenant organisations.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive welcomes progress with current Second Stage Transfers and would expect Glasgow Housing Association to continue to offer all tenants an opportunity in the future to consider community ownership when the time is right and it can be sensibly achieved. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227627,"EventID":"S3W-21028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an option for remodelled management agreements to lead on to community ownership.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an option for remodelled management agreements to lead on to community ownership.","AnswerText":"The Remodelled Management Agreements currently give Local Housing Organisations preferred bidder status to bring forward second stage transfer proposals. Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) could continue to offer preferred bidder status if Remodelled Management Agreements do not continue to exist. The Scottish Government has asked GHA to give serious consideration to the future opportunities for community ownership and set out how that will be worked into its strategy. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227628,"EventID":"S3W-21029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers Scottish ministers have to give directions to Glasgow Housing Association.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers Scottish ministers have to give directions to Glasgow Housing Association.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers have the power to direct Glasgow Housing Association to delegate a specified range of housing management functions to Registered Social Landlords/Local Housing Organisations under section 68A of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001. This is a time limited power and will end in 2011. Scottish ministers issued the first set of directions and have delegated the exercise of the power to the Scottish Housing Regulator who will issue any future directions as appropriate. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227629,"EventID":"S3W-21030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what extra efforts it and local authorities are making to ensure that the problem of litter on streets and in the countryside is addressed, given that 2009 is the Year of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what extra efforts it and local authorities are making to ensure that the problem of litter on streets and in the countryside is addressed, given that 2009 is the Year of Homecoming and the anticipated increase in numbers of tourists coming to Scotland.","AnswerText":"There is little doubt that litter remains a blight on many communities across Scotland. It is an issue that the Scottish Government is committed to tackling. To raise awareness and tackle the problem Scottish Government provides core funding to the environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful (KSB). One of KSB''s principal campaigns is the annual National Spring Clean, which takes place between 1 to 30 April 2009. This month-long blitz on the litter that blights our streets, parks, riversides and beaches, offers people throughout Scotland the opportunity to restore a sense of community pride and clean up their neighbourhoods for themselves and visitors to our country. The campaign attracted approximately 20,000 volunteers last year. In the year of Homecoming we want as many people as possible to get involved in National Spring Clean. We have therefore provided additional funding to KSB to make the 2009 campaign bigger and better than ever before. In addition, KSB recently hosted a Litter Summit on our behalf. The purpose of the summit was to allow the Scottish Government to meet with local authorities, public bodies, the private sector and environmental groups to allow debate on litter and possible solutions. I provided the keynote address at this well attended event. Prior to the summit, KSB produced a Scottish Littering Report that I am sure will be of interest to you. A copy can be found on the KSB website at: http://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/documents/LitterReport.pdf A report is now being prepared on all of the suggestions, ideas and actions which could be taken forward following the summit. This will be passed to me to consider in more detail in due course. The Scottish Government is hopeful that the summit will mark the start of a renewed drive to tackle the litter problems which we have in Scotland with vigour, focus and include innovative ways of working in partnership with the pubic and private sector. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227630,"EventID":"S3W-21031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research was carried out on the environmental impact of the Inverness bypass between July 2008 and the publication of the Strategic Transport Projects Review in Dece","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research was carried out on the environmental impact of the Inverness bypass between July 2008 and the publication of the Strategic Transport Projects Review in December 2008 and what detailed results are available.","AnswerText":"The Strategic Environmental Assessment was completed in the period July 2008 to December 2008. Specific comments on the environmental impacts of the Inverness bypass are set out on page 126 of the Environmental Report. These, and the detailed results of the appraisal which are set out in Report 3, can be found on the Transport Scotland website at www.transportscotland.gov.uk/stpr. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227631,"EventID":"S3W-21032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research was carried out on the economic impact of the Inverness bypass between July 2008 and the publication of the Strategic Transport Projects Review in December ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research was carried out on the economic impact of the Inverness bypass between July 2008 and the publication of the Strategic Transport Projects Review in December 2008 and what detailed results are available.","AnswerText":"Economic output from the completion of the modelling of the operation of the Inverness bypass provided a benefit to cost ratio of less than 0.75 for the scheme in the period July 2008 to December 2008. This is reported in the option summary table (Annex 3, E6) of Report 3 to the STPR which can be found on the Transport Scotland website at www.transportscotland.gov/uk/stpr. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227632,"EventID":"S3W-21033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research was carried out on the safety impact of the Inverness bypass between July 2008 and the publication of the Strategic Transport Projects Review in December 20","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research was carried out on the safety impact of the Inverness bypass between July 2008 and the publication of the Strategic Transport Projects Review in December 2008 and what detailed results are available.","AnswerText":"Technical reviews for consistency and clarity of the appraisal and its reporting on a Scotland wide basis were completed as part of the quality assurance of the STPR in the period July 2008 to December 2008. This included reviewing the safety criterion for the Inverness bypass. More information on the appraisal can be found in Report 3 of the STPR which can be found on the Transport Scotland website at www.transportscotland.gov.uk/stpr. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227633,"EventID":"S3W-21034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the reasons were for any changes made to the appraisal summary table for the Inverness bypass between the July 2008 draft Strategic Transport Projects Review documen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the reasons were for any changes made to the appraisal summary table for the Inverness bypass between the July 2008 draft Strategic Transport Projects Review document and the December 2008 final document. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-21033 on 16 March 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227634,"EventID":"S3W-21035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who authorised any changes made to the appraisal summary table for the Inverness bypass between the July 2008 draft Strategic Transport Projects Review document and the D","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who authorised any changes made to the appraisal summary table for the Inverness bypass between the July 2008 draft Strategic Transport Projects Review document and the December 2008 final document.","AnswerText":"Technical reviews for consistency and clarity of the appraisal and its reporting on a Scotland-wide basis were completed as part of the quality assurance of the STPR in the period July 2008 to December 2008. Any changes to the reports were made by the review consultants and subsequently accepted by the project team in receiving the reports for publication. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227635,"EventID":"S3W-21036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date Scottish ministers took the decision that the Strategic Transport Projects Review should be extended to cover the additional decade between 2022 and 2032.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date Scottish ministers took the decision that the Strategic Transport Projects Review should be extended to cover the additional decade between 2022 and 2032.","AnswerText":"The scale and phased implementation of a number of the 29 recommended schemes contained within the STPR means they may take longer to complete than the 10 years between 2012 and 2022. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227636,"EventID":"S3W-21037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many modern apprenticeships have been funded by it or by predecessor bodies either directly or indirectly in each year for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many modern apprenticeships have been funded by it or by predecessor bodies either directly or indirectly in each year for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"The table below shows all modern apprenticeships starts entered to Skills Development Scotland''s Management Information system between 1 April 2003 and 31 March 2008. | | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | Total | | MA Starts | 20,649 | 21,349 | 20,266 | 16,930 | 15,772 | 94,966 | For more detailed breakdowns of these numbers, I refer the member to the answers to questions S3W-21436 through to S3W-21443 on 9 March 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227637,"EventID":"S3W-21038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers it expects to be in post or to have completed training and be ready to take up a post by December 2009 and how this compares with the figure as a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers it expects to be in post or to have completed training and be ready to take up a post by December 2009 and how this compares with the figure as at May 2007.","AnswerText":"On 5 March Nicola Sturgeon, Deputy First Minister, announced that the Scottish Government was undertaking a police force projection study. We intend to publish the results within the next few weeks. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227638,"EventID":"S3W-21039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to take forward the recommendations contained in the report, Audit of Current Scots Language Provision in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to take forward the recommendations contained in the report, Audit of Current Scots Language Provision in Scotland.","AnswerText":"It is clear to me that the recommendations contained in the report of the Audit of Current Scots Language Provision in Scotland cannot be taken forward seriously without involving the Scots language community. My predecessor Linda Fabiani also shared this view, and shortly after publication of the audit hosted a conference on 9 February 2009 for individuals and organisations with an interest in Scots language matters, where the findings of the research were formally presented and possible ways forward to better promote and develop the Scots language in future were discussed. I intend to capitalize on the suggestions and views expressed by delegates at the conference and as a next step will soon carry out more focused consultation on the emerging issues with representatives from the Scots language community. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227639,"EventID":"S3W-21040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will institute ongoing monitoring of provision of support for the Scots language in order to build on the work done in the audit of current provision for the S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will institute ongoing monitoring of provision of support for the Scots language in order to build on the work done in the audit of current provision for the Scots language.","AnswerText":"The Audit of Current Provision for the Scots Language was not intended to be exhaustive and could not capture every single act of provision in Scotland during the time available to the staff undertaking the research. However, the Scottish Government recognises the potential that such a resource offers to policy makers and language practitioners, and will take steps to enable individuals or organisations whose acts of provision were not captured in the first instance by the audit to send reports on their activities. Our intention is that the table of provision contained within the audit becomes a living document, so that a broader picture of provision in Scotland may be presented throughout the year, as reported by Scots language providers. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227640,"EventID":"S3W-21041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many non-ministerial events have been held in Bute House in each year since 1999 and who bore the cost of each such event.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many non-ministerial events have been held in Bute House in each year since 1999 and who bore the cost of each such event.","AnswerText":"Information regarding non-ministerial events held at Bute House is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227641,"EventID":"S3W-21042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what costs it bears for student support that do not form part of the monies that students receive.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what costs it bears for student support that do not form part of the monies that students receive.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive bears costs for providing student support that do not form part of the monies received by students under the Students Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) budget heading under the following budgets detailed in the table: | Budget Heading | £ million | 2009-10 £ million | | SAAS Administration Costs: | | | | - Running costs | 6.0 | | | - Capital expenditure | 0.4 | | | - Capital Charges | 1.2 | 7.6 | | Student Loans Company Administration | | 5.5 | | Cost of Providing Student Loan Advances(the RAB charge) | | 71.4 | | Unwinding of Discount on the write-off provision | | 12.0 | | Unwinding of Discount on the Debt Sale Subsidy for Loans sold to Banks | | 4.0 | | Student loans Debt Sale Subsidy to the banks | | 4.5 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227642,"EventID":"S3W-21043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to secure the purchase of the Titian painting, Diana and Callisto, by 2012.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to secure the purchase of the Titian painting, Diana and Callisto, by 2012.","AnswerText":"The National Galleries of Scotland and the National Gallery London will be responsible for fundraising for Diana and Callisto, using the longer timescale to the end of 2012 to plan and implement an extensive campaign for private sector funding. There is no commitment of any public funds to this purchase. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227643,"EventID":"S3W-21044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will press ahead with its plans to release beavers into the wild and, if so, when it will do so and how it will ensure that the animals can live in harmony wit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will press ahead with its plans to release beavers into the wild and, if so, when it will do so and how it will ensure that the animals can live in harmony with forestry.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Royal Zoological Society of Society plan to release beavers is subject to a licence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. An appropriate assessment of the proposals undertaken by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH as a result of which, and on the advice of SNH, the licence includes a number of conditions intended to safeguard significant environmental interests including those which relate to the interests of the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA). ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227644,"EventID":"S3W-21045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Knapdale Woods remains a special area of conservation and, if so, whether it is appropriate to release beavers into that area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Knapdale Woods remains a special area of conservation and, if so, whether it is appropriate to release beavers into that area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-21044 on 10 March 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227645,"EventID":"S3W-21046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an intervention such as the release of beavers into a special area of conservation would infringe the EU habitats directive.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an intervention such as the release of beavers into a special area of conservation would infringe the EU habitats directive.","AnswerText":"Any release of beavers into the wild would require a licence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended. In advising ministers on any such licence, Scottish Natural Heritage would consider the potential effects on any special area of conservation and that consideration would be reflected in recommendations for conditions to be attached to the licence. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227646,"EventID":"S3W-21047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether beavers released into the wild in Scotland would be a protected species, meaning that it would be illegal to kill individual beavers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether beavers released into the wild in Scotland would be a protected species, meaning that it would be illegal to kill individual beavers.","AnswerText":"Informal guidance from the European Commission has clarified their view that small populations of an animal species introduced deliberately or accidentally by man to locations to which they would not have spread naturally in the foreseeable future, should be considered to be outside their natural range. Consequently, any animals released in this way would not be covered by the provisions in domestic legislation which implement the strict protection measures specified in Article 12 of the Habitats Directive and which apply to species identified in Annex IV of the Directive including the beaver (castor fiber). ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227647,"EventID":"S3W-21048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken since May 2007 to enhance the protection of birds of prey.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken since May 2007 to enhance the protection of birds of prey.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government is implementing the recommendations of the review of the arrangements for preventing, detecting and prosecuting wildlife crime Natural Justice. Revitalising the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime and strengthening law enforcement in this area will have a beneficial effect on birds of prey, which historically have been subject to significant levels of criminal activity. The Scottish Government is currently consulting on improvements to legislative protection which could be achieved by extending Schedules 1A and A1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to provide year-round protection for nesting sites and protection from harassment for specified birds, including some birds of prey of high conservation value. The Scottish Government has also classified the following Special Protection Areas (SPAs) under the EU Wild Birds Directive for birds of prey since May 2007: Renfrewshire Heights (classified December 2007 for breeding hen harrier), Strath Carnaig and Strath Fleet Moors (classified July 2008 for breeding hen harrier) and an extension to the Orkney Mainland Moors SPA (classified in July 2008 for breeding hen harrier and short-eared owl as well as for breeding red-throated diver). ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Roseanna Cunningham","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227648,"EventID":"S3W-21049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role Scotland’s artisans will play in its cultural strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role Scotland’s artisans will play in its cultural strategy.","AnswerText":"As I stated during my meeting with representatives of Scotland''s artistic and creative communities on 18 February 2009, our cultural policy will support all creative practitioners, promote access and encourage participation. The Scottish Government has encouraged artists and creative practitioners to think about ways to engage more formally with government, and to be part of the decision making process. This commitment to engagement was reinforced in my announcement on 18 February 2009 of our intention to attract to the board of the interim company Creative Scotland 2009 two further people with a background in, and working understanding of, the creative arts as well as a track record of entrepreneurship. Full audiovisual coverage of the event is available on the Scottish Government''s website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/ArtsCultureSport. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227649,"EventID":"S3W-21050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to support traditional arts and music other than through the recommendations of the Traditional Arts Working Group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to support traditional arts and music other than through the recommendations of the Traditional Arts Working Group.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government continues to support traditional arts and music throughout Scotland. The Scottish Arts Council, as the main funding body for the arts in Scotland, supports a variety of traditional music and arts organisations through foundation, project and flexible funding. They also provide support for individual traditional artists through creative and professional development funding. In future Creative Scotland will assume this role. The promotion and practice of the traditional arts and music are supported by a variety of public bodies funded by the Scottish Government, including local authorities, further and higher education, and the enterprise bodies. Other specific organisations receiving public funding have an important contribution to make to the traditional arts and music such as Feisean nan G idheal, An Comunn Gaidhealach, Proiseact nan Ealan, Ceolas, An Lochran, Sabhal M²r Ostaig and MG ALBA. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227650,"EventID":"S3W-21051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcomes were of the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) conference on 9 February 2009, as announced in its news release on 26 January 2009.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcomes were of the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) conference on 9 February 2009, as announced in its news release on 26 January 2009.","AnswerText":"I will be announcing the publication of the report of the PACE Summit before the end of March. The report will contain a synopsis of the day and actions to take forward to enhance further the operation of PACE. One area discussed during the summit was the need to raise awareness of PACE. We are taking immediate action on this by promoting the new helpline number and website to individuals and employers through a short sharp media campaign which will appear in the national press over the next few weeks. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227651,"EventID":"S3W-21052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to commission research into the impact of the abolition of the graduate endowment fee.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to commission research into the impact of the abolition of the graduate endowment fee.","AnswerText":"Initial evidence on how the abolition of the graduate endowment fee has impacted on young peoples'' decision to study should be available from the Student Income, Expenditure and Debt Survey (SIEDS) which is due to be published in late spring 2009. We will consider commissioning specific research into the impact of the abolition of the graduate endowment fee once the findings of this survey have been analysed. This will also be subject to sufficient resources being available to fund any further work. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227652,"EventID":"S3W-21053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many newly rebuilt or significantly refurbished schools have been completed since May 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many newly rebuilt or significantly refurbished schools have been completed since May 2007.","AnswerText":"Between May 2007 and last month there have been 152 schools either newly rebuilt or significantly refurbished. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227653,"EventID":"S3W-21054","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the findings of the national survey on adult literacy and numeracy to be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the findings of the national survey on adult literacy and numeracy to be published.","AnswerText":"A final report of the Scottish Adult Literacy and Numeracy Survey is scheduled for publication in January 2010, however, initial findings from the survey will be available before the end of 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227654,"EventID":"S3W-21055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been successful in retrieving “a substantial sum of National Lottery funding”, as called for in motion S3M-2589, which was passed unanimously on 25 Septemb","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been successful in retrieving “a substantial sum of National Lottery funding”, as called for in motion S3M-2589, which was passed unanimously on 25 September 2008.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government wrote to Andy Burnham, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on 7 November 2008 requesting the return of £150 million lottery diverted away from Scottish causes to help fund the London 2012 Games. At the time of writing we have had no reply to the letter. As the new Minister for Sport I view this as an early priority and to this end I have made further representations to Mr Burnham on 3 March 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227655,"EventID":"S3W-21056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received from the Scotland Office about fatal accident inquiries for Scots who have died abroad and what action it is taking as a result of an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received from the Scotland Office about fatal accident inquiries for Scots who have died abroad and what action it is taking as a result of any such representations.","AnswerText":"No representations have been received from the Scotland Office about fatal accident inquiries for Scots who have died abroad except in relation to the deaths abroad of Scottish military personnel on active service, concerning which matter officials continue to work on an amendment to the Coroners and Justice Bill enabling investigations to be held in Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227656,"EventID":"S3W-21057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what benefits have flowed from the meeting between the First Minister, the Secretary of State for Scotland, the CBI and the STUC on 21 October 2008.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what benefits have flowed from the meeting between the First Minister, the Secretary of State for Scotland, the CBI and the STUC on 21 October 2008.","AnswerText":"The meeting on 21 October 2008 between the First Minister, myself, the Secretary of State for Scotland, the Director of CBI Scotland and the General Secretary of the STUC discussed a number of issues of importance to Scotland, including the actions of the Scottish and UK Governments in response to the economic downturn. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227657,"EventID":"S3W-21058","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value is of the Titian painting, Diana and Actaeon.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value is of the Titian painting, Diana and Actaeon.","AnswerText":"The purchase price of £50 million for Diana and Actaeon was negotiated between the owner, the National Galleries of Scotland and the National Gallery London. This is substantially less than the likely open market value of the painting. Recent valuations (obtained in May 2007 and October 2008) by independent experts put the open market value of the painting at, or in excess of, £100 million. The agreement to purchase the Titian should also be seen in the wider context of the 21 year loan to the National Galleries of Scotland of the Bridgewater Collection, one of the most important collections of art anywhere in the world and estimated conservatively to be worth hundreds of millions of pounds. The purchase of Diana and Actaeon secured the continuation of free public access to that collection in Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227658,"EventID":"S3W-21059","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has been announced under its Cashback for Communities scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has been announced under its Cashback for Communities scheme.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has invested over £11 million to date in a range of diversionary projects for young people. This represents £2.5 million to the Scottish Football Association, £3 million to YouthLink, £1.4 million to Scottish Rugby Union, £1.7 million to BasketballScotland, £2m to the Sports Facilities Fund and £0.6 million to Arts and Business Scotland. More announcements will follow. So far over 100,000 young people have participated in CashBack for Communities activities and tens of thousands more will benefit over the coming year. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227659,"EventID":"S3W-21060","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is measuring the success of the Year of Homecoming 2009.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is measuring the success of the Year of Homecoming 2009.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-19785 on 30 January 2009. All answers 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Mather","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227660,"EventID":"S3W-21061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients have been treated at the accident and emergency departments at (a) Monklands and (b) Ayr Hospital since May 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients have been treated at the accident and emergency departments at (a) Monklands and (b) Ayr Hospital since May 2007.","AnswerText":" Between 1 May 2007 and 31 December 2008 there were (a) 110,782 accident and emergency attendances at Monklands Hospital and (b) 69,613 accident and emergency attendances at Ayr Hospital. These data are sourced from ISD Accident and Emergency data mart (June 2007 to December 2008) and WebLogic reporting system (May 2007). The figures include new and unplanned return attendances at accident and emergency departments. Planned return attendances are excluded. Further information on attendances at accident and emergency departments for these hospitals, including quarterly and monthly trends is published on the ISD website: http://www.isdscotland.org/isd/4024.html. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227661,"EventID":"S3W-21062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in establishing inshore fishery groups.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in establishing inshore fishery groups.","AnswerText":"The first meetings of pilot Inshore Fisheries Groups (IFGs) Executive Committees have been held in the South East (Tuesday 27 Jan), the Clyde (Friday 30 January) and the Outer Hebrides (Friday 6 February). First meetings of three further pilot areas in Moray Firth, the North West and the Small Isles and Mull will be held on 26 and 27 March 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227662,"EventID":"S3W-21063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation has taken place with fishermen and fishing communities in drafting operating rules and guidance for inshore fishery groups and how consultees were selec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation has taken place with fishermen and fishing communities in drafting operating rules and guidance for inshore fishery groups and how consultees were selected and consulted.","AnswerText":"The guidance and constitution of the IFG was drawn up following the Taking Stock exercise in summer 2007, which involved consultation with a wide range of inshore fishing interests, including the Scottish Inshore Fisheries Advisory Group. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227663,"EventID":"S3W-21064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that fishing communities are represented on inshore fishery groups alongside fishing associations and others.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that fishing communities are represented on inshore fishery groups alongside fishing associations and others.","AnswerText":"The IFGs will enable commercial inshore fishermen to participate on an inclusive, transparent and consensual basis in the management of Scottish inshore fisheries balancing competing sectoral interests with environmental and socio-economic priorities. In order to produce a management plan for the area, the IFG will consult with stakeholders in the area including the local fishing communities. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227664,"EventID":"S3W-21065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that fishing associations represent all fishing interests on inshore fishing groups.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that fishing associations represent all fishing interests on inshore fishing groups.","AnswerText":"All individuals with an active commercial interest in the inshore fisheries in the IFG area are eligible for membership of the IFG. This includes Fishermen''s Associations and individuals who are not affiliated to any Fishermen''s Association. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227665,"EventID":"S3W-21066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much aid has been awarded to fishermen following policy initiatives to respond to rising fuel prices and whether any changes to those policy initiatives resulted from","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much aid has been awarded to fishermen following policy initiatives to respond to rising fuel prices and whether any changes to those policy initiatives resulted from subsequently falling fuel prices.","AnswerText":"£325,115.08 has been paid out to fishermen as part of a package of measures designed to help the fishing industry adapt in order to ensure its long term future. This includes £316,476 for VMS warranties and £8,639.08 to help cover the cost of maintaining safety equipment. A further £248,511.06 has been awarded to Scottish fishermen through the European Fisheries Fund in order to help increase fuel efficiency. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227666,"EventID":"S3W-21067","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what costs were associated with the Fuel Task Force established to work on policy to respond to rising fuel costs in 2008.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what costs were associated with the Fuel Task Force established to work on policy to respond to rising fuel costs in 2008.","AnswerText":"As a response to rising fuel costs, the Scottish Government funded a package of measures designed to help the fishing industry adjust in order to better prepare for the long-term. As part of this process, total costs of £3,774.16 were associated with the Fuel Task Force meetings in 2008. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227667,"EventID":"S3W-21068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to include marketing interests in the membership of inshore fishery groups. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to include marketing interests in the membership of inshore fishery groups. ","AnswerText":"The IFG Executive Committee will be supported by an Advisory Group which is an integral part of the IFG structure. The Advisory Group is made up of relevant experts and key stakeholders, including marketing interests. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227668,"EventID":"S3W-21069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will take to ensure that inshore fishery groups can meaningfully contribute on draft legislation or legislative proposals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will take to ensure that inshore fishery groups can meaningfully contribute on draft legislation or legislative proposals.","AnswerText":"It will be open to IFGs to express their views on any consultation on legislative proposals made by Scottish ministers. Further, Scottish ministers will positively consider sound and considerate legislative proposals from IFGs in their management plan when they have been developed in line with the national and local objectives for inshore fisheries and consulted upon in an open, inclusive and transparent way. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227669,"EventID":"S3W-21070","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance for inshore fishery groups remains to be considered, finalised or completed and what timescales it envisages for completion.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance for inshore fishery groups remains to be considered, finalised or completed and what timescales it envisages for completion.","AnswerText":"A constitution to facilitate the establishment and operation of IFGs was drawn up in consultation with members of the Scottish Inshore Fisheries Advisory Group and is now in place. It is available on the Scottish government website www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Fisheries/Sea-Fisheries. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227670,"EventID":"S3W-21071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the status and role are of the Scottish Fisheries Council and what its relationship is with inshore fishery groups.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the status and role are of the Scottish Fisheries Council and what its relationship is with inshore fishery groups.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Fisheries Council (SFC) is a Scottish Government-led stakeholder group which provides a means by which the Scottish government can implement policies in partnership with stakeholders to ensure a sustainable, profitable future for fishing in Scotland. There is no direct relationship between the SFC and Inshore Fisheries Groups (IFGs) but the IFGs will ensure that their Management Plans are consistent with the SFC aims for a sustainable fishing in Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227671,"EventID":"S3W-21072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its preferred legal status is of inshore fishery groups. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its preferred legal status is of inshore fishery groups. ","AnswerText":"IFGs are not statutory bodies and can choose to constitute themselves as either an unincorporated association or go further by becoming an incorporated association, e.g. a limited company. It is recommended that IFGs should seek their own legal advice as to the best method of establishing themselves dependant on individual circumstances. However, IFGs choose to form themselves they will be equal in terms of their scope and function. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227672,"EventID":"S3W-21073","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the membership of inshore fishery groups is to be established and how changes in membership over time are to be managed. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the membership of inshore fishery groups is to be established and how changes in membership over time are to be managed. ","AnswerText":"The IFG Coordinator will maintain a register of IFG members and has the right to demand evidence from any applicant to prove eligibility against the criteria set out in the IFG Constitution. The IFG Coordinator shall, so far as practicable, keep the register up to date. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227673,"EventID":"S3W-21074","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what would constitute a quorum at inshore fishery group meetings that will ensure a range of interests are represented.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what would constitute a quorum at inshore fishery group meetings that will ensure a range of interests are represented.","AnswerText":"The quorum for a meeting of the IFG Executive Committee is 40% of its membership. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227674,"EventID":"S3W-21075","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what rules will apply to the appointment of the chairs of inshore fishery groups.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what rules will apply to the appointment of the chairs of inshore fishery groups.","AnswerText":"The IFG Chair will be recruited through an open recruitment process by the IFG Executive Committee. The chair will be independent in the discharge of his/her duties and have no financial or commercial interests as are likely to affect him or her in the discharge of his or her function as a chairman independent of the sea fish industry. Individuals currently serving on the Executive Committee will be ineligible to apply. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227675,"EventID":"S3W-21076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there will be a form of weighted voting in the proceedings of inshore fishery groups.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there will be a form of weighted voting in the proceedings of inshore fishery groups.","AnswerText":"The IFG Executive Committee shall aim to reach agreement on any matter before it. Where agreement cannot readily be reached, the chair, supported by the co-ordinator, will endeavour to resolve the matter. Voting at the IFG General meeting shall be on the basis of one vote per vessel, which habitually fishes commercially in the area. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227676,"EventID":"S3W-21077","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it envisages that any of the work of its Marine Directorate will be taken over by inshore fishery groups.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it envisages that any of the work of its Marine Directorate will be taken over by inshore fishery groups.","AnswerText":"IFGs are not statutory organisations and therefore do not have the statutory role, powers or responsibilities of the Marine Directorate. It is not envisaged that any of the functions of the work of the Marine Directorate will be taken over by the IFGs. Their principal purpose will be to develop management plans for the inshore fisheries in their area. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227677,"EventID":"S3W-21078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is envisaged that inshore fishery groups will have a coordinator; what roles any such person will perform; how an appointment will be made, and to whom the per","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is envisaged that inshore fishery groups will have a coordinator; what roles any such person will perform; how an appointment will be made, and to whom the person will be accountable.","AnswerText":"The IFG will have an Inshore Fisheries Coordinator who will be responsible for assisting the IFG in the conduct of its business. The coordinator will also be secretary of the committee and any subcommittees and the Treasurer of the IFG. The recruitment will be made through an open competition and will report to the IFG Chair and the National Coordinator. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227678,"EventID":"S3W-21079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20076 by John Swinney on 5 February 2009, (a) how many and (b) what percentage of community councils had registered for the Directo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20076 by John Swinney on 5 February 2009, (a) how many and (b) what percentage of community councils had registered for the Directorate for the Built Environment’s e-alert system as at 1 February 2009, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"As at 1 February 2009, there were 70 community councils registered as subscribers to the Directorate for the Built Environment''s e-alert system, representing 6.1% of the total number of community councils across Scotland. See the following table for local authority breakdown. | Local Authority | No of Active CCs | No of CCs Registered from LA | Percentage Registered by LA | | Aberdeen City Council | 23 | 1 | 4.3% | | Aberdeenshire Council | 70 | 3 | 4.3% | | Angus Council | 26 | 0 | 0.0% | | Argyll and Bute Council | 52 | 2 | 3.8% | | Clackmannanshire Council | 9 | 1 | 11.1% | | Dumfries and Galloway Council | 92 | 5 | 5.4% | | Dundee City Council | 5 | 1 | 20.0% | | East Ayrshire Council | 30 | 1 | 3.3% | | East Dunbartonshire Council | 12 | 0 | 0.0% | | East Lothian Council | 20 | 0 | 0.0% | | East Renfrewshire Council | 10 | On 18 October the Cabinet Secretary announced that from 27 October the priority group would be widened to include those who have never had a central heating system; those who have a system which is broken beyond repair and are aged 75 or over; those who have a system which is broken beyond repair and are aged 60 to 74 and in receipt of the guarantee element of pension credit, and those who have a partial or inefficient system and are in receipt of the guarantee element of pension credit or are aged 80 or over. Applicants aged 60 to 74 and not in receipt of the guarantee element of pension credit are not in a priority group. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227680,"EventID":"S3W-21081","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the monitoring officer and deputy monitoring officer of each local authority and the other positions they hold in their local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the monitoring officer and deputy monitoring officer of each local authority and the other positions they hold in their local authority.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. The appointment of a monitoring officer rests with each local authority. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227681,"EventID":"S3W-21082","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what remuneration each local authority monitoring officer and deputy monitoring officer has received in respect of fulfilling the functions of that office in each year si","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what remuneration each local authority monitoring officer and deputy monitoring officer has received in respect of fulfilling the functions of that office in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. The remuneration of monitoring officers and deputy monitoring officers is a matter for each local authority. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227682,"EventID":"S3W-21083","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who appoints the monitoring officer and deputy monitoring officer for each local authority and whether these appointments require the approval of any agency other than th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who appoints the monitoring officer and deputy monitoring officer for each local authority and whether these appointments require the approval of any agency other than the relevant local authority.","AnswerText":"The Local Government and Housing Act 1989 requires councils to designate one of their officers as monitoring officer. The legislation requires that it must not be the Chief Finance Officer. No other approval is required. In the absence of the monitoring officer, duties will be performed by the member of staff personally nominated by the monitoring officer as his deputy. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227683,"EventID":"S3W-21084","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authority monitoring officers are required to report regularly to any body other than the local authority for which they act and, if so, to what bodies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authority monitoring officers are required to report regularly to any body other than the local authority for which they act and, if so, to what bodies.","AnswerText":"Monitoring officers are only required to report to the full council for which they act. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227684,"EventID":"S3W-21085","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what body has primary responsibility for monitoring the work of local authority monitoring officers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what body has primary responsibility for monitoring the work of local authority monitoring officers.","AnswerText":"The role of monitoring officers is independent and is not subject to direction by the council or any other body. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227685,"EventID":"S3W-21086","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3758,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the monitoring officer and deputy monitoring officer of each local authority are obliged to liaise with the chief executive of their local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the monitoring officer and deputy monitoring officer of each local authority are obliged to liaise with the chief executive of their local authority.","AnswerText":"The monitoring officer and deputy monitoring offer are independent and are not subject to direction by the council. However, the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 states it is the duty of a monitoring officer in preparing a report, to consult as far as practicable with the authorities'' Head of Paid Services and the Chief Finance Officer. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227686,"EventID":"S3W-21087","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3743,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many void properties there have been in each local authority area in each year since 1999, also expressed as a percentage of the total housing stock.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many void properties there have been in each local authority area in each year since 1999, also expressed as a percentage of the total housing stock.","AnswerText":"Vacant stock figures are collected annually by the Scottish Government (for local authorities), and by the Scottish Housing Regulator (for housing associations). The figures are a snapshot of vacancies as at 31 March each year, regardless of the length of time the stock has been unoccupied. Vacant stock figures are not available for housing associations prior to March 2003, and so the following tables relate to public sector vacancies only in the period 1999-2002, and the whole of the social sector from 2003. Table 1: Vacant public / social sector stock at 31 March | | Public Authority Stock Only | All Social Sector Stock | | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | | Scotland | 19,843 | 21,530 | 22,062 | 20,746 | 25,942 | 24,860 | 21,642 | 21,609 | 18,556 | 18,955 | | Aberdeen City | 962 | 967 | 1,370 | 1,257 | 1,370 | 1,443 | 1,720 | 1,426 | 374 | 313 | | Aberdeenshire | 91 | 158 | 316 | 297 | 415 | 345 ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227688,"EventID":"S3W-21089","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether police constables have been used in previous years to deliver training to probationer constables at the Scottish Police College.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether police constables have been used in previous years to deliver training to probationer constables at the Scottish Police College.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Scottish Police Services Authority (SPSA). I have asked the Chief Executive of SPSA to respond. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227689,"EventID":"S3W-21090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether police constables are being used to deliver training to probationer constables at the Scottish Police College and, if so, what factors motivated this decision.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether police constables are being used to deliver training to probationer constables at the Scottish Police College and, if so, what factors motivated this decision.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Scottish Police Services Authority (SPSA). I have asked the Chief Executive of SPSA to respond. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227690,"EventID":"S3W-21091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average cost per day is of a police sergeant.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average cost per day is of a police sergeant.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227691,"EventID":"S3W-21092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average cost per day is of a police constable.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average cost per day is of a police constable.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227692,"EventID":"S3W-21093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average length of time served is by a police constable when promoted to sergeant.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average length of time served is by a police constable when promoted to sergeant.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227693,"EventID":"S3W-21094","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average length of time served is of a police sergeant.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average length of time served is of a police sergeant.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227694,"EventID":"S3W-21095","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average length of time served is of a police constable.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average length of time served is of a police constable.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227695,"EventID":"S3W-21096","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it made an assessment of the impact of increasing the officer intake on the quality of training delivered to probationer constables at the Scottish Police College","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it made an assessment of the impact of increasing the officer intake on the quality of training delivered to probationer constables at the Scottish Police College and, if so, what that assessment was.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Scottish Police Services Authority (SPSA). I have asked the Chief Executive of SPSA to respond. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227696,"EventID":"S3W-21097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many probationer police constables were in each intake in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many probationer police constables were in each intake in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"Accurate statistics are not available for 2006-07. The following tables provide the statistics for 2007-08 and 2008-09. Student Numbers 2007-08 | Course No | Totals Attending | Totals Less Attrition | Completion as Percentage | | 2001-07 | 60 | 60 | 100 | | 2002-07 | 100 | 98 | 98 | | 2003-07 | 47 | 47 | 100 | | 2004-07 | 66 | 66 | 100 | | 2005-07 | 50 | 50 | 100 | | 2006-07 | 80 | 80 | 100 | | 2007-07 | 99 | 97 | 97 | | 2008-07 | 79 | 77 | 97 | | Totals | 694 | 682 | 98% | Student Numbers 2008-09 | Course No | Totals Attending | Totals Less Attrition | Completion as Percentage | | 2001-08 | 146 | 139 | 95 | | 2002-08 | 151 | 146 | 97 | | 2003-08 | http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227698,"EventID":"S3W-21099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the ratio of teaching staff to probationer constables at the Scottish Police College has been in each intake in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the ratio of teaching staff to probationer constables at the Scottish Police College has been in each intake in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227699,"EventID":"S3W-21100","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many contact hours on average a probationer constable spent on (a) knowledge and (b) practical-based training at the Scottish Police College during their initial trai","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many contact hours on average a probationer constable spent on (a) knowledge and (b) practical-based training at the Scottish Police College during their initial training in (i) 2006-07, (ii) 2007-08 and (iii) 2008-09 and whether there are plans for this to change.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227700,"EventID":"S3W-21101","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the training delivered by the Probationer Training Division at the Scottish Police College has changed in the last year and, if so, what changes have been made.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the training delivered by the Probationer Training Division at the Scottish Police College has changed in the last year and, if so, what changes have been made.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Scottish Police Services Authority (SPSA). I have asked the chief executive of SPSA to respond. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227701,"EventID":"S3W-21102","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the assessment criteria used by the Probationer Training Division at the Scottish Police College to assess probationer constables has changed since November 2007 ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the assessment criteria used by the Probationer Training Division at the Scottish Police College to assess probationer constables has changed since November 2007 and, if so, what the changes are and when they were made.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Scottish Police Services Authority (SPSA). I have asked the chief executive of SPSA to respond. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227702,"EventID":"S3W-21103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it consulted the Scottish Police College prior to announcing its intention to recruit an additional 1,000 new police officers on 12 November 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it consulted the Scottish Police College prior to announcing its intention to recruit an additional 1,000 new police officers on 12 November 2007.","AnswerText":"There were detailed discussions with the Scottish Police Services Authority prior to the announcement on 12 November 2007 of the range of measures to deliver a more visible police presence in Scotland and an additional 1,000 police officers available in our communities. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227703,"EventID":"S3W-21104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Police College received additional support to administer training and assessment to an increased number of probationer police constables in (a) 2007-","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Police College received additional support to administer training and assessment to an increased number of probationer police constables in (a) 2007-08 and (b) 2008-09 or will do so in future years, in light of its plans to recruit an additional 1,000 new police officers, as announced on 12 November 2007.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Police Services Authority (SPSA) provided probationer training to a record number of recruits in 2007-08 and 2008-09 without additional government grant. The SPSA budget for 2009-10 is currently being considered. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227704,"EventID":"S3W-21105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what factors led to year one refresher training for police officers being administered by individual forces instead of by the Scottish Police College as previously was th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what factors led to year one refresher training for police officers being administered by individual forces instead of by the Scottish Police College as previously was the case.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Scottish Police Services Authority (SPSA). I have asked the chief executive of SPSA to respond. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227705,"EventID":"S3W-21106","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that a consistently high quality of training is administered given that year one refresher training for police officers is now administered by individu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that a consistently high quality of training is administered given that year one refresher training for police officers is now administered by individual forces rather than the Scottish Police College.","AnswerText":"The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) Personnel and Training Business Area, through the Probationer Training Officers User Group and the Probationer Training Sub-Group, continues to monitor the new arrangements. The Scottish Police College is in constant dialogue with these groups in addition to on-going consultation and evaluation with Heads of Force Training Departments. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227706,"EventID":"S3W-21107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional support it is giving police forces to run year one refresher training for officers, previously administered by the Scottish Police College.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional support it is giving police forces to run year one refresher training for officers, previously administered by the Scottish Police College.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Scottish Police Services Authority (SPSA). I have asked the Chief Executive of SPSA to respond. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227707,"EventID":"S3W-21108","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in a diverse cultural life, in line with the statements made on the main Arts, Culture and Sport page ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in a diverse cultural life, in line with the statements made on the main Arts, Culture and Sport page of its website.","AnswerText":"Improving access to a diverse range of arts and cultural opportunities for the people of Scotland should start with sustaining those who produce the artistic and creative output people experience and enjoy. We are working closely with partners in local government and the national culture bodies to support the creative sector, ensure their work can be accessed, and that the chance to take part in all forms of cultural and creative activity is open to all. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227708,"EventID":"S3W-21109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in sport, in line with the statements made on the main Arts, Culture and Sport page of its website.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in sport, in line with the statements made on the main Arts, Culture and Sport page of its website.","AnswerText":"The Sport Legacy emerging from the 2014 Commonwealth Games focuses on building a robust infrastructure for sport at local level and developing a network of Community Sport Hubs across Scotland. By having a better infrastructure in place we will increase the opportunities for participation in sport supported by co-ordinated developments in the provision of coaching, volunteering and sports leaders and also develop stronger communities around school/club links. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227709,"EventID":"S3W-21110","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the outcomes of its meeting with representatives of Scotland’s artistic and creative communities scheduled for 18 February 2009.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the outcomes of its meeting with representatives of Scotland’s artistic and creative communities scheduled for 18 February 2009.","AnswerText":"I met with representatives of Scotland''s creative and artistic communities at Edinburgh''s Traverse Theatre on February 18, 2009. This meeting was an initial fact-finding discussion, which gave those present the chance to hear my thoughts on the direction of cultural policy in Scotland, and to share their views on current issues. Full audiovisual coverage of the event is available on the Scottish Government''s website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/ArtsCultureSport. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227710,"EventID":"S3W-21111","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will produce a Scots translation of Choosing Scotland’s Future: A National Conversation: Independence and responsibility in the modern world.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will produce a Scots translation of Choosing Scotland’s Future: A National Conversation: Independence and responsibility in the modern world.","AnswerText":"A summary of Choosing Scotland''s Future: A National Conversation: Independence and responsibility in the modern world has been translated into Scots and can be found on the Scottish Government website: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/a-national-conversation/Translated-Summaries. The Scottish Government is demonstrating its commitment to the development of Scots through initiatives such as the publication of the audit of Scots language activity; the Scots language seminar held on 9 February 2009 and our financial support for two important Scots language bodies*. We are considering, in light of these initiatives, further actions to support the development of Scots. *Scottish language Dictionaries and Scottish Language Centre. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227711,"EventID":"S3W-21112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish an analysis of progress made under The Scottish Government’s Plan for Engagement with China, published in May 2008.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish an analysis of progress made under The Scottish Government’s Plan for Engagement with China, published in May 2008.","AnswerText":"The targets and objectives within the China Plan run until 2011. There are no plans at present to publish an analysis on progress. In developing inputs under this plan we are clear that we are developing a long-term relationship with China which requires long-term commitments. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227712,"EventID":"S3W-21113","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to be able to announce details of the Chinese summer school being negotiated with the Chinese authorities by Learning and Teaching Scotland and British Co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to be able to announce details of the Chinese summer school being negotiated with the Chinese authorities by Learning and Teaching Scotland and British Council Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning announced on Friday 20 February that a study visit for 51 pupils and nine teachers from Scottish schools will take place this summer. The visit will last for about two and a half weeks and involve pupils in 30 hours of immersion language training plus other cultural and learning activities. Participants will be drawn from schools actively involved in the eight Confucius Classroom hubs being launched before Easter. Funding support will be provided by the Scottish Government and by the Hanban (the Office of the Chinese Council International). Further details will be announced in due course. A copy of the press release is available at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/02/20104349. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227713,"EventID":"S3W-21114","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Calman Commission on Scottish Devolution has offered the evidence it has gathered as a submission to the National Conversation and, if not, whether it will be","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Calman Commission on Scottish Devolution has offered the evidence it has gathered as a submission to the National Conversation and, if not, whether it will be invited to do so.","AnswerText":"The Commission on Scottish Devolution has not formally offered its evidence to the National Conversation. The Scottish Government has consistently said that the Commission might make a useful contribution to the National Conversation, although this will necessarily be limited by its narrow remit. ","AnswerDate":"2009-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227714,"EventID":"S3W-21115","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many non-departmental public bodies there are and how this compares to the number in May 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many non-departmental public bodies there are and how this compares to the number in May 2007.","AnswerText":"On taking office, the Scottish Government published a baseline list of 199 significant national public organisations for which it was responsible and could reform. It committed to reducing this by 25% by 2011 through its simplification programme. The published baseline expands on the previous administration''s focus on only those bodies formally classified as NDPBs. The number of national public organisations has reduced to 165. This includes a reduction of 8 bodies from the Simplification Programme and 26 Justice of the Peace Advisory Committees announced by the previous administration but which did not come into effect until December 2007. The Scottish Government is on track to deliver its 25% reduction in the number of significant national public organisations. Details on changes in the public bodies landscape can be found in the Simplification Programme Tracker at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/public-bodies/Simplification-Tracker. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227715,"EventID":"S3W-21116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3759,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish and maintain a forward-look diary of public appointment vacancies to aid potential applicants.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish and maintain a forward-look diary of public appointment vacancies to aid potential applicants.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government currently issues a forecast of forthcoming public appointment opportunities twice a year to people who have registered their interest in public appointments. This is in addition to publicising vacancies on the Scottish Government website as they occur. The Scottish Government is planning to launch a new website dedicated to public appointments around mid April to replace its current website pages. The new website will contain a range of information on public appointments, including a forecast of public appointment vacancies expected to arise in the future. Members of the public will be able to register their interest in public appointments through the new website and will be advised when the forecast is updated. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227716,"EventID":"S3W-21117","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2596,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29615 by George Lyon on 17 November 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29615 by George Lyon on 17 November 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are.","AnswerText":"Part 1 of the Local Electoral and Registration Services (Scotland) Act 2006 (the 2006 Act) deals with changes to electoral administration procedures. As stated in the Financial Memorandum, there were no associated costs falling on the Scottish Government, local authorities or any other body as a result of implementing these changes. Part 2 of the 2006 Act deals with improvements to the registration service in Scotland. The Financial Memorandum predicted expenditure of £100,000 by the Scottish Government in 2007-08 to acquire computer software and hardware associated with delivering e-registration. However, because of other priorities that work has been deferred until 2012. Part 2 of the 2006 Act also envisages offering electronic notification of events to third parties, as an alternative to paper extracts of births, deaths and marriages, issued for a fee by the Registrar General and by local registrars. The new service will be introduced at a future date, if there is demand for it from, for example, insurance companies and pension firms etc. who no longer want to handle paper. To date, there have therefore been no associated costs falling on the Scottish Government, or, as predicted, on local authorities or any other body as a result of part 2 of the 2006 Act. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Swinney","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227717,"EventID":"S3W-21118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2596,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29612 by Ross Finnie on 23 November 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29612 by Ross Finnie on 23 November 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government does not hold details of any expenditure by local authorities or others as an immediate consequence of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006. No secondary legislation has been brought into force which would place any cost on local authorities, other organisations or individuals. However, we plan to introduce secondary legislation which will require pet dealers and the operators on animal sanctuaries to be licensed by local authorities. In such cases local authorities are expected to charge a licensing fee which would cover their administration and inspection costs, therefore, once introduced, there will be no net additional cost to local authorities. To date, the costs to the Scottish Government are approximately £7,500 for the production, printing and distribution of a guidance booklet for land managers on the Control of Ragwort. A biosecurity code which will be sent to all livestock farmers in Scotland, and animal welfare codes for horses, gamebirds, cats, dogs and rabbits are still being developed and there have been no costs to date. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227718,"EventID":"S3W-21119","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2596,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29611 by Cathy Jamieson on 23 November 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29611 by Cathy Jamieson on 23 November 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are.","AnswerText":"Details of actual substantive costings available centrally are set out in the following table in the same categories as the Financial Memorandum to the Police, Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill. The figures relate to expenditure by the Scottish Government, and annual costs relate to expenditure in 2007-08, the last full financial year. The Scottish Government does not hold details of expenditure by local authorities or others as an immediate consequence of the Police, Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2006. | | Set-Up | Annual Costs | | Scottish Police Services Authority Board | N/A | £74,000 | | Scottish Police Services Authority Chief Executive | N/A | £132,000 | | Police Complaints Commissioner for Scotland | £1.1 million (costs in first year of operation including set-up costs) | £1 million | | Payments to Special Constables | N/A | £668,000 | | Mandatory Drug Testing “ time, materials, assessment and treatment. | £44,000 | £1,633,173 | | Improved Control of Public Processions | N/A | £325,000 | ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227719,"EventID":"S3W-21120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2596,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29609 by Robert Brown on 17 November 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29609 by Robert Brown on 17 November 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are.","AnswerText":"Details of set-up and annual costs available centrally are set out in the following table in the same categories as the Financial Memorandum to the Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Bill. The annual costs relate to 2007-08 “ the last full financial year: | Scottish Government | Local Authorities | Other Bodies and Individuals | | Set up | Annual Costs | Set Up | Annual Costs | Set Up | Annual Costs | | £0.193 million | n/a | n/a | £1.085 million | n/a | £0.023 million | ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227720,"EventID":"S3W-21121","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2596,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29606 by Lewis Macdonald on 20 November 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29606 by Lewis Macdonald on 20 November 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are.","AnswerText":"The Financial Memorandum to the Human Tissue (Scotland) Bill identified the following additional costs arising from the bill: £50,000 a year as a cost to the Scottish Government for charges which the Human Tissue Authority might make for its work in Scotland relating to transplantation; £250,000 as a one-off payment which the Scottish Government would need to make for the production of an initial supply of forms and leaflets associated with the process of authorising a hospital post-mortem examination; Between £100-150,000 as a charge to other bodies (mainly NHS boards) to develop training for the staff who would have to talk families through the post-mortem examination authorisation form, and £20-25,000 a year as a charge on the Scottish Government for inspections of Schools of Anatomy carried out by HM Inspector of Anatomy. Further expenditure of some £50,000 has been earmarked for the production of an information leaflet setting out people''s rights in terms of authorisation under the act of the use of their organs for transplantation. The Scottish Government does not hold details of any expenditure by local authorities or others as an immediate consequence of the act. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227721,"EventID":"S3W-21122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2596,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29604 by Johann Lamont on 21 November 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29604 by Johann Lamont on 21 November 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are.","AnswerText":"The Financial Memorandum to the Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 anticipated costs for the Scottish Legal Aid Board and the Scottish Court Service only. Data on actual costs is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227722,"EventID":"S3W-21123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2596,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29603 by Malcolm Chisholm on 29 November 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29603 by Malcolm Chisholm on 29 November 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are.","AnswerText":"The provisions in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 are not yet all in force. Of those that are in force, most have been in force for less than a year and so annual costs are not yet available. The total of the actual set-up costs for the Scottish Government to date is £1.3 million. This relates to set-up costs for the Private Rented Housing Panel (PRHP) under Part 1 Chapter 4 of the 2006 act, enforcement powers under Part 1 Chapters 1, 3, 5 and 6, Scheme of Assistance powers under Part 2, and the provision of information on sale of houses under Part 3. Information on set-up and annual costs to local authorities and other bodies and individuals is not collected centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227723,"EventID":"S3W-21124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2596,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29601 by Ross Finnie on 23 November 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29601 by Ross Finnie on 23 November 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are.","AnswerText":"The information requested relating to the actual costs of Strategic Environmental Assessment is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Lochhead","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227724,"EventID":"S3W-21125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2596,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29600 by Cathy Jamieson on 20 November 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29600 by Cathy Jamieson on 20 November 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are.","AnswerText":"Details of actual substantive costings available centrally are set out in the following table in the same categories as the Financial Memorandum to the Management of Offenders etc. (Scotland) Bill. The annual costs relate to 2007-08 - the last full financial year. Integrated management of offenders “ Community Justice Authorities | Scottish Government | Local Authorities | Other Bodies and Individuals | | Set up | Annual costs | Set up | Annual costs | Set up | Annual costs | | | £193,750 per CJA | | | | | Home Detention Curfew “ Costs to Scottish Government | Scottish Government | Local Authorities | Other bodies and Individuals | | Set up | Annual costs | Set up | Annual costs | Set up | Annual costs | | | £5,119,781 inclusive of VAT | | | | | The Scottish Government does not hold details of any expenditure by local authorities or others as an immediate consequence of the act. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227725,"EventID":"S3W-21126","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2596,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29599 by Lewis Macdonald on 20 November 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29599 by Lewis Macdonald on 20 November 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are.","AnswerText":"Details of the actual costs available centrally are set out in the following table in the same categories as the Financial Memorandum to the Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Bill. | Policy Area | Scottish Government | Health Boards | Local Authorities | Other Bodies | | Smoking Set up costs 2006-08 costs 2007-08 costs | £1.65m for communication campaign and £0.024m for compliance help-line. Nil Nil | Nil Nil Nil | £0.6m £3.0m £2.5m | The Scottish Government does not hold details of any expenditure by other bodies as an immediate consequence of the Act The Scottish Government does not hold details of any expenditure by other bodies as an immediate consequence of the Act The Scottish Government does not hold details of any expenditure by other bodies as an immediate consequence of the Act. | | Free Eye and Dental Checks Set up costs 2006-07 costs | | Scottish Government | Local Authorities | Other bodies and Individuals | | Set Up | Annual Costs | Set Up | Annual Costs | Set Up | Annual Costs | | 2006-07 | £130,000 | £2,755,000 | Information not held | Information not held | Information not held | Information not held | | 2007-08 | N/A | £3,054,248 | The Scottish Government does not hold details of any expenditure by local authorities or others as an immediate consequence of the act. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227727,"EventID":"S3W-21128","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2596,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29593 by Robert Brown on 17 November 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29593 by Robert Brown on 17 November 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are.","AnswerText":"The actual known costs of the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 in each year since the 2005 act came into force are set out in the following table: | | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | | Initial set-up | Nil | -- | -- | -- | | Annual costs, Scottish Government* | £2.650m | £4.409m | £4.409m | £5.409m | | Annual costs, local authorities | This information is not held centrally | This information is not held centrally | This information is not held centrally | This information is not held centrally | | Annual costs, Other Public Sector Organisations or bodies | As above | As above | As above | As above | | Annual costs, Other individuals, organisations and bodies | As above | As above | As above | As above | *Funding for B²rd na G idhlig. The projected costs of the Gaelic language (Scotland) Act 2005 that were outlined in the Financial Memorandum are set out in the following table: | | Scottish Government | Local Authorities | Other Public Sector Organisations or Bodies | Other Individuals, Organisations and Bodies | | Initial set-up costs | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | | Annual costs | Nil* | 0 - £155,000 | 0 - £155,000 | Nil | Note: *The annual costs for B²rd na G idhlig were not discussed in the Financial Memorandum. However, these costs are set out in the table. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Michael Russell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227728,"EventID":"S3W-21129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2596,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29591 by Johann Lamont on 21 November 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29591 by Johann Lamont on 21 November 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are. ","AnswerText":"There was no initial set up costs with the introduction of Fire (Scotland) Act 2005. The Financial Memorandum that accompanied the bill is available on the Scottish Parliament''s website. Much of the work relating to the projected annual costs are longer term and are still in progress. Actual costs are not therefore available at this time. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227729,"EventID":"S3W-21130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2596,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29590 by Rhona Brankin on 17 November 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29590 by Rhona Brankin on 17 November 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are.","AnswerText":"The main objectives of the Water Services etc. (Scotland) Act 2005 were to strengthen the economic regulation of the Scottish Water industry - including setting up the Water Industry Commission for Scotland - providing for competition in the non-household retail water sector and strengthening customer representation. Detailed costs associated with each of these objectives can be found in relevant published reports in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre. Costs associated with the operation of the Water Industry Commission and the development of retail competition in the non-household water market can be found in the commission''s 2007-08 Annual Accounts (Bib. number 47112). Costs associated with the transfer of complaints handling functions from the commission to Waterwatch Scotland were minimal as these involved the transfer of existing complaints functions (with some additional functions established by the 2005 act) from the Water Industry Commission to Waterwatch Scotland. Waterwatch''s general operational costs can be found in its 2007-08 Annual Report (Bib. number 47506). In general, the costs of the Water Industry Commission are recovered through a levy on Scottish Water and while no costs are imposed on other organisations all customers have benefited from the efficiencies brought about by regulation. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227730,"EventID":"S3W-21131","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2596,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29587 by Robert Brown on 17 November 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29587 by Robert Brown on 17 November 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are. ","AnswerText":"Details of actual substantive costings available centrally are set out in the following table in the same categories as the Financial Memorandum to the School Education (Ministerial Powers and Independent Schools) (Scotland) Bill. The annual costs relate to the last 2 financial years: | Year | Scottish Executive/Government | HMIE | Costs to Schools | | Set up | Annual Costs | Set up | Annual Costs | Set up | Annual costs | | 2006-07 | £0 | £2,800 | £0 | £23,400 | £0 | £6,000 | | 2007-08 | £0 | £3,500 | £0 | £23,100 | £0 | £7,500 | The figures in the table relating to the costs to the government and to schools are only estimates which have been based on the unit costs set out in the Financial Memorandum. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227731,"EventID":"S3W-21132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2596,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29586 by Johann Lamont on 21 November 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29586 by Johann Lamont on 21 November 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are.","AnswerText":"The only financial obligation arising as a result of the Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004 (the Act) is in terms of Section 18 of the Act which provides for an obligation on the owner of property to insure the property for the reinstatement value of that owner''s flat. There will therefore be an additional cost for those bodies, individuals and businesses who were not insured prior to the Act, or who had only insured their properties for market, rather than reinstatement value. Although there would be costs associated with possible court actions under sections 5 and 6 of the Act for resolution of disputes, it was anticipated that the judicial salaries and court service costs, together with legal aid costs were capable of being absorbed within existing resources. These costs are not separately identifiable.2 ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227732,"EventID":"S3W-21133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2596,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29579 by Robert Brown on 30 November 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29579 by Robert Brown on 30 November 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are.","AnswerText":"The actual annual costs incurred directly by the Scottish Government are 2003-04=£453,000; 2004-05=£680,000; 2005-06=£843,000 (this included £150,000 for the purchase and set up of a records management system); 2006-07=£541,000, and 2007-08=£402,000. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Adam Ingram","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227733,"EventID":"S3W-21134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2596,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29578 by Johann Lamont on 23 November 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29578 by Johann Lamont on 23 November 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are.","AnswerText":"Details of actual substantive costings available centrally are set out in the following table in the same categories as the Financial Memorandum to the Vulnerable Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2004. The annual costs relate to 2005-06 to 2007-08. | | Scottish Government | Local Authorities* | Other Bodies and Individuals | | Set Up | Annual Costs | Set Up | Annual Costs | Set Up | Annual Costs | | 2005-06 | 341,408 | 161,435 | N/A | N/A | 578,444 | 260,000 | | 2006-07 | 143,016 | 234,755 | N/A | N/A | 340,000 | 620,000 | | 2007-08 | 81,632 | 181,405 | N/A | N/A | 2,150,000 | 1,100,000 | It has not been possible to disaggregate the costs incurred by local authorities and a number of other agencies such as the police and the Scottish Legal Aid Board, as these have been absorbed into general operational costs. The variations in yearly costs are due principally to the fact that the act was implemented in phases, with full implementation occurring in 2008-09. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227734,"EventID":"S3W-21135","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2596,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29564 by Malcolm Chisholm on 4 December 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29564 by Malcolm Chisholm on 4 December 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are.","AnswerText":"The Homelessness etc (Scotland) Act 2003 is still in the process of being implemented. In any event, robust information on the costs of implementation is not held centrally as it is for each local authority and their partners to allocate resources for this purpose on the basis of local needs and priorities. It is not possible to accurately disaggregate costs which assist in preventing and tackling homelessness, whether specifically for the purposes of implementing this legislation or otherwise, across the wide range of bodies and activities this will encompass. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227735,"EventID":"S3W-21136","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2596,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29558 by Rhona Brankin on 21 November 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29558 by Rhona Brankin on 21 November 2006, whether actual costings are now available and, if so, what these are.","AnswerText":"Detailed costings for each sector are not held centrally. The Impact Assessment which considers the costs and benefits of implementing measures aimed at improving the aquatic environment in the Scotland River Basin District in line with the requirements of the Water Environment and Water Services Act 2003 was placed on the Scottish Government''s website in January 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Stewart Stevenson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227736,"EventID":"S3W-21137","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS boards provide free intra-articular hyaluronan injections for the treatment of osteoarthritis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS boards provide free intra-articular hyaluronan injections for the treatment of osteoarthritis.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to identify from prescribing data collected centrally which NHS boards provide free intra-articular hyaluronan injections for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Prescribing data available centrally relate to items dispensed by community pharmacists and dispensing doctors and do not include medicines dispensed in hospitals or in hospital-based clinics. In addition, medicines can be used to treat more than one condition and it is not possible to identify the different conditions that a medicine was prescribed for. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227737,"EventID":"S3W-21138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-11399 by Fergus Ewing on 8 April 2008, what the status is of the review of its antisocial behaviour strategy and when it will be pu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-11399 by Fergus Ewing on 8 April 2008, what the status is of the review of its antisocial behaviour strategy and when it will be published.","AnswerText":"The review of national antisocial behaviour policy will be published shortly. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227738,"EventID":"S3W-21139","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-11399 by Fergus Ewing on 8 April 2008, what legislative options have been explored as a means of resolving disputes about high hedg","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-11399 by Fergus Ewing on 8 April 2008, what legislative options have been explored as a means of resolving disputes about high hedges and whether it plans to pursue any of these options.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Government has been considering a range of legislative options and will outline its intentions shortly, when the review of national antisocial behaviour policy reports. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fergus Ewing","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227739,"EventID":"S3W-21140","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the annual cost would be of providing vitamin D supplements to all pregnant women. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the annual cost would be of providing vitamin D supplements to all pregnant women. ","AnswerText":"This information is not available. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227740,"EventID":"S3W-21141","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the annual cost would be of providing vitamin D supplements to all children between the age of six months and four years. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the annual cost would be of providing vitamin D supplements to all children between the age of six months and four years. ","AnswerText":"This information is not available. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Shona Robison","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227741,"EventID":"S3W-21142","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to answer to question S3W-20360 by Jim Mather on 11 February 2009, whether it will list the (a) total population of people of all ages, (b) number of staff emplo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to answer to question S3W-20360 by Jim Mather on 11 February 2009, whether it will list the (a) total population of people of all ages, (b) number of staff employed and (c) ratio of local authority employees to total head of population in each local authority.","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out in the following table. Part (a) shows the latest estimates of total population by local authority. Part (b) shows the latest statistics on the number of staff employed by each local authority. This includes both full-time and part-time staff. Table 1: Total Population, Local Authority Staff and Ratio of Staff to Total Population by Local Authority | Local Authority | (a) Total Population (2007) | (b) Staff Employed Local Authority (Head Count) 2008 (Q3) | (c) Ratio of Staff to Total Population | | Aberdeen City | 209,260 | 11,492 | 1 in 18 | | Aberdeenshire | 239,160 | 13,831 | 1 in 17 | | Angus | 109,870 | 5,765 | 1 in 19 | | Argyll and Bute | 91,350 | 5,271 | 1 in 17 | | Clackmannanshire | 49,900 | 2,869 | 1 in 17 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 148,300 | 8,214 | 1 in 18 | | Dundee City | 142,150 | 8,267 | 1 in 17 | | East Ayrshire | 119,570 | 6,789 | 1 in 18 | | East Dunbartonshire | 104,850 | 4,935 | 1 in 21 | | East Lothian | 94,440 | 4,902 | 1 in 19 | | East Renfrewshire | 89,260 | 4,796 | 1 in 19 | | Edinburgh, City of | 468,070 | 20,116 | 1 in 23 | | Eilean Siar | 26,300 | http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/1038/0078775.xls. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Keith Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227743,"EventID":"S3W-21144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on what drugs and health care treatments are available to NHS patients in England or Wales but not available to NHS patients in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on what drugs and health care treatments are available to NHS patients in England or Wales but not available to NHS patients in Scotland.","AnswerText":"As health is a devolved issue, decisions regarding the introduction of new medicines and treatments are taken by each of the UK countries through their own appraisal and assessment arrangements in line with established national priorities. Accordingly, information regarding the introduction of new medicines and treatments in Scotland are available from www.scottishmedicines.org.uk; for England from www.dh.gov.uk and for Wales www.wales.gov.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227744,"EventID":"S3W-21145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2678,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what services have been removed from each hospital in the NHS (a) Greater Glasgow and Clyde and (b) Ayrshire and Arran areas since 1997 and when each was removed. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what services have been removed from each hospital in the NHS (a) Greater Glasgow and Clyde and (b) Ayrshire and Arran areas since 1997 and when each was removed. ","AnswerText":"NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Ayrshire and Arran have provided the following information on services which have been removed from hospitals in their areas since 1997. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde | Hospital Site | Year | Description of Service Move | | Acute Hospital Services | | Belvidere Hospital | 1999 | Hospital closed “ remaining elderly continuing care beds closed | | Blawarthill Hospital | 2000 | 30 elderly continuing care beds closed | | 2003 | 30 elderly continuing care beds closed | | Canniesburn Hospital | 2003 | Plastic Surgery relocated to Canniesburn Unit, Glasgow Royal Infirmary | | | Oral/Maxillo-Facial Unit transferred to Institute of Neurosciences at the Southern General Hospital | | Canniesburn Unit, Glasgow Royal Infirmary | 2007 | Paediatric Plastic Surgery out-patient services re-located to Royal Hospital for Sick Children | | Cowglen Hospital | 2001 | Hospital and remaining elderly continuing care beds closed. Physical Disability Rehabilitation Unit relocated to Southern General Hospital | | Drumchapel Hospital | 2004 | 30 elderly rehabilitation beds closed (15 reopened in 2007) | | Glasgow Dental Hospital and School | 2007 | Paediatric dental services re-located to Royal Hospital for Sick Children | | Glasgow Royal Infirmary | 2007 | Haemato-oncology service moved to new Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, Gartnavel | | Cardiothoracic Surgery in-patient/out-patient service moved to new West of Scotland Heart and Lung Centre, Golden Jubilee National Hospital | | Figures for the number of pupils in independent schools are published each year on the government website at the following link: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/School-Education/PubIndSchoolCensus. However, since pupils attend independent schools outwith their area and information on the location of residence of pupil in independent schools is not collected, the requested information is not available. ","AnswerDate":"2009-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Fiona Hyslop","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227746,"EventID":"S3W-21147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2202,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many housing association properties there have been in each (a) local authority area and (b) parliamentary constituency in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many housing association properties there have been in each (a) local authority area and (b) parliamentary constituency in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have asked Karen Watt the Chief Executive of the Scottish Housing Regulator to respond. Her response is as follows: The number of self-contained properties owned by housing associations (by local authority area) as at 31 March each year since 2002 is shown in the following table. The information for the years 1999 to 2002 is not held centrally. Information on a constituency basis is not held centrally. | Local Authority | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | | Aberdeen City | 3,496 | 3,685 | 3,700 | 3,773 | 3,927 | 3,966 | 3,999 | | Aberdeenshire | 2,620 | 3,194 | 3,292 | 3,514 | 3,659 | 3,732 | 3,856 | | Angus | 2,712 | 2,828 | 2,862 | 2,921 | 2,969 | 3,030 | 3,092 | | Argyll and Bute | 2,412 | 2,501 | 2,478 | 2,516 | 2,519 | 7,943 | 7,872 | | City of Edinburgh | 12,577 | 12,948 | 13,586 | 13,835 | 14,135 | 14,901 | 15,293 | | City of Glasgow | 39,923 | 122,044 | 120,597 | <","AnswerDate":"2009-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227747,"EventID":"S3W-21148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2202,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the housing debt has been for each local authority in each of the last five years, also showing the annual percentage increase and average debt per house.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the housing debt has been for each local authority in each of the last five years, also showing the annual percentage increase and average debt per house.","AnswerText":"The following tables are based on local authorities'' Housing Revenue Accounts and show: Table 1: Annual outstanding housing debt; Table 2: Annual percentage increase, and Table 3: Average outstanding debt per house. Table 1:Local authority housing: outstanding debt, (£ million). Actual Figures as at 31 March to 2007, Near Actual for 2008 | | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | | Scotland | 2,126 | 2,006 | 1,965 | 1,907 | 1,842 | | Aberdeen City | 95 | 97 | 102 | 114 | 119 | | Aberdeenshire | 140 | 137 | 131 | 127 | 126 | | Angus | 23 | 23 | 24 | 23 | 24 | | Argyll and Bute | 41 | 38 | 36 | na | na | | Clackmannanshire | 20 | 20 | 22 | 26 | 32 | | Dumfries and Galloway | na | na | na","AnswerDate":"2009-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Alex Neil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227748,"EventID":"S3W-21149","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2202,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimate it has made of the number of NHS clinical staff who are carriers of MRSA.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimate it has made of the number of NHS clinical staff who are carriers of MRSA.","AnswerText":"No such estimate is available. However, current guidelines state that routine staff screening is not recommended. It is the responsibility of the Infection Control Management Team within individual hospitals to make any decision on staff screening based on risk assessments. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227749,"EventID":"S3W-21150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2202,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS hospital staff were dismissed in 2008 for failing to follow hygiene procedures.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS hospital staff were dismissed in 2008 for failing to follow hygiene procedures.","AnswerText":"This information is held at NHS board level. All NHS staff have a duty to ensure the safest possible environment for patients. Hand Hygiene is a simple but essential part of our drive to tackle infection. A zero tolerance approach to non compliance with hand hygiene procedures by health care workers has now been introduced. Each NHS board''s Employees Conduct Policy sets out the current arrangements for addressing and monitoring standards of conduct at work and is being used to ensure that the zero tolerance approach to non-compliance with hand hygiene procedures is applied. ","AnswerDate":"2009-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2009-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicola Sturgeon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":227750,"EventID":"S3W-21151","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2202,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2009-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2009-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it provides to local authorities on measures to promote healthy eating and what the cost was of providing such guidance in each year for which information i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it provides to local authorities on measures to promote healthy eating and what the cost was of providing such guidance in each year for which information is available.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive have issued guidance to local authorities to promote healthy eating as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |